Everything you need to know about dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
Join us in separating fact from fiction
In a country where sex ed is restricted to a quick chapter in biology class, it comes as little surprise that it is rife with misinformation and misconceptions that can last well into adulthood. Among other topics that are hastily brushed under the carpet is the subject of painful intercourse. While onscreen sex might convince you it’s all candlelit rooms and burning passions, the fact of the matter is that sex isn’t always pleasurable for women. If you are looking to get to the root of the cause, join us for a quick study on what your biology textbooks didn’t tell you.
Sex isn’t rocket science. It is just plain ol’ science.
The key to understanding why sex can sometimes be painful is to get to the science behind it. The official term for painful inetrcourse is dyspareunia (pronounced dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh) and it refers to constant or recurring pain before, during or after sex. This pain can occur in the form of a burning sensation or a throbbing pain that lasts for hours after your last intercourse. It can often be difficult to talk about why it hurts down there, even with your partner. Women are known to experience painful sex at some point of time in their lives, which is why we are here to peel back the curtain and have an open conversation on what it means.
Why does it hurt down there while having sex?
The causes for dyspareunia are many, but they can ultimately be categorised as physical causes and psychological triggers. Join us in taking a look at each:
Lack of lubrication: The first cause to investigate of sex is painful for you is lack of lubrication. While this can be caused by not enough foreplay, certain conditions such as menopause and breast feeding can also contribute to vaginal dryness.
Previous injury: If you have experienced any injury or inflammations down there, such as stitches during childbirth or injury from an accident, you might experience deeper pain upon penetration until the wound is healed.
Infections: If vaginal infections don’t sound fun, they are even less fun to endure. It pays to maintain a vigilant schedule with your doctor to ensure that you are protected from inflammations or infections down there.
Medical treatments: Unfortunately, certain medical treatments can take a toll on your sexual health. Chemotherapy can trigger a drop in your estrogen levels that can further contribute to dryness in the vaginal area.
Psychological triggers: Not all pain is triggered by physical symptoms. It also pays to take into consideration any psychological stressors such as fear of intimacy, stress and anxiety as the pelvic muscles tend to tighten up in response to stress. A previous history of abuse can also be a contributing factor.
Can’t find the right words to say? Consult a doctor
We get it, it can be hard to talk about what’s happening between the sheets with your closest friends or family. If you are having trouble getting to the source of the pain, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for an effective diagnosis and treatment plan. The investigation generally starts with a pelvic examination to observe any dryness, scarring or infections. Depending on the diagnosis, you may be prescribed certain antibiotics to deal with inflammation or other physical causes. If the pain is being triggered by a drop in estrogen levels, you might be prescribed certain supplements or medicines. You can also take steps to reduce the pain at home by opting for the following measures:
Lube up! The importance of adequate lubrication cannot be overemphasised. For best results, opt for water-soluble lubricants.
Ensure that you empty your bladder both, before and after any type of intercourse.
If you are looking to relax your mind, taking a warm bath at night can also be handy as a stress-busting device.
In certain situations, your doctor might advise you to opt for an over-the-counter pain killer before sex.
If you are experiencing a burning sensation, applying an ice pack to the sensitive area after sex can provide relief.
Please note that the above measures aren’t a substitute for medical advice and ensure that you consult a doctor in case of persistent pain. It is also essential to ensure that you have open conversation with your partner in bed as it could be a root cause of anxiety. As long as both of you’ll are on the same page, you’ll can work together on making sex as magical as it should it be!
