Painful Lovemaking? Choose Pleasure Over Pain with These 8 Tips
Here are cause of painful love making and what you should do to get rid of sexual intercourse pain.
Does doing it hurt? Well, Sex should never be painful. Pain reduces sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure, which can lead to longer-term issues for you and your relationship. Painful Lovemaking is not normal, but it is also common. It can affect up to 30 percent of women. So, it is far more common than you think.
Dyspareunia is the term used to describe pain with sexual intercourse. It can affect both vulva owners and penis owners.
Dyspareunia has many causes, and it can be identified as superficial (on the outside of the vagina and vulva; penis and scrotum) and deep (inside the vagina; scrotum and testes).
Causes of Painful Lovemaking
Painful Love Making may be due to a variety of causes.
Products
Latex condoms and products such as soap and body washes can cause genital irritation or allergy, contributing to painful Sex.
Infections
Infections like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, or certain STIs can cause Painful Lovemaking. They are usually followed by other symptoms like sores, itchiness, and changes in discharge.
Menopause
Menopause causes a decrease in estrogen, which can cause vaginal tightness and dryness.
Childbirth
You have recently given birth; your vagina can be dryer than usual, and hence Sex can be more painful.
Vagina dryness
Vagina dryness can be caused by stress, certain medications, or hormonal changes. Use a water-based lubricant and have enough foreplay (for at least 10 minutes) before penetration.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is when the vaginal muscles involuntarily contract, and this can make Sex uncomfortable and painful. Vaginismus can stem from past painful experiences like sexual trauma, sexual assault, etc. but not always. This can also happen if you anticipate pain during Sex.
There are gynaecological conditions that can cause Painful Lovemaking. Some are:
• Endometriosis: About 7% of women have a condition where their endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus, and then that tissue starts to shed, just like your cycle. It’s pretty complicated.
Two common symptoms of endometriosis are:
– Excruciating periods.
– Painful Sex.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: The tissues deep inside become badly inflamed, and the pressure of intercourse causes deep pain.
· Ovarian cyst: You may feel a stabbing pain during intercourse if your partner hits the cyst. The good news is most cysts go away on their own.
Solutions for Painful Lovemaking
- Use cotton underwear
- Use a lubricant
- Take your time. Make sure you are really aroused before penetration.
- There might be certain positions that are uncomfortable for you. Communicate with your partner about what works for you and what does not work for you. You can also try a position like spooning.
- Emptying your bladder fully before intercourse
- Taking a warm bath
- Applying an ice pack to the vulva
Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing with Painful Lovemaking
There are 5 Mistakes you should avoid when dealing with Painful Lovemaking
- Googling for Solutions
- Feeling Guilty for Not Doing Better Than You Are
- Trying to Unsustainably Force “Doing It” Over the Long Term
- Listening to “them” rather than Yourself
- Not learning From Your Mistakes
However, informing your doctor about the pain would be best to rule out any other causes.
To locate the source of the pain and diagnose any medical conditions.
Doctors may perform the following:
– Physical exam: This examination could include a pelvic exam and Pap test
– Ultrasounds: Transvaginal ultrasound can better view the female reproductive system.
Everyone should have a satisfying, comfortable sex life, so talk to your doctor!
