Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Pain After Sex
Millions of women struggle with pain during or after sex, a condition known as dyspareunia. Almost 75% of women experience this issue at some point; for some, dyspareunia is chronic.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons you might experience pain during or after sex. But unless it's minor soreness that goes away after a while, you shouldn’t deal with this condition alone.
If you’re a woman experiencing painful intercourse, whether occasional or chronic, Dr. Neeraj Kohli and his dedicated team at BostonUrogyn can help. At their offices in Wellesley and Hudson, Massachusetts, they can diagnose and treat the many causes of dyspareunia.
Here, Dr. Kohli explains why you shouldn’t ignore pain during or after sex.
Causes of dyspareunia
The causes of painful sex can be structural, viral, or psychological, and the pain can occur at the point of entry or deep in the cervix.
Dyspareunia takes several forms:
Primary, pain is present since you started having sex
Secondary, pain occurs after sessions of pain-free sex
Complete, pain occurs whenever you have sex
Situational, pain occurs only under specific circumstances
Causes of sexual pain include:
Infections
Bacterial or viral infections can lead to pain from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), vaginal infections, and yeast infections.
Atrophy
Atrophy is commonly the result of hormonal changes, such as after menopause or with certain medications.
Reproductive system problems
Conditions affecting the cervix, ovaries, or uterus can lead to painful sex and pelvic pain.
Endometriosis
This condition describes when the tissue lining your uterus grows outside of the uterus.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Inflammation in the tissue deep in your cervix can lead to painful intercourse.
Vaginismus
Previous trauma or fear of pain can cause spasms in the vaginal muscles.
Skin problems
A skin disorder that affects your genital area, such as psoriasis, can lead to painful sex.
Psychological problems
Depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem can lead to problems getting aroused.
Painful sex can also lead to problems with inserting anything (including tampons), burning or aching pain, and throbbing that lasts hours after sex.
Prevention and treatment
Sexual pain can sometimes be alleviated with adjustments to your sexual routine, such as:
Using lubrication
More foreplay to induce arousal and stimulate lubrication
Communicating with your partner about what feels good and what hurts
Changing positions
Dr. Kohli can recommend other methods for treating painful intercourse, depending on the cause. These options include antibiotics, hormonal treatments, pelvic floor muscle exercises, therapy, and even surgery.
Pain that results from allergic reactions to condoms or sexual devices can be managed with medications and allergen-free products.
Sex is a big part of life, and it shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing painful intercourse, Dr. Kohli can diagnose and treat the underlying cause so you can again enjoy sex free of pain. Call BostonUrogyn today or book your appointment online.
