Q: What are causes of pain during sexual intercourse? – O.E.
A: Physical causes of painful intercourse tend to differ from woman to woman. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Vaginismus. A common condition in which there is a spasm in the vaginal muscles, mainly caused by the fear of being hurt.
- Vaginal infections. These conditions are common and include yeast infections.
- Problems with the cervix (opening to the uterus). In this case, the penis can reach the cervix at maximum penetration, so problems with the cervix (such as infections) can cause pain during deep penetration.
- Problems with the uterus. These problems may include fibroids that can cause deep intercourse pain.
- Endometriosis. A condition in which the endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus.
- Problems with the ovaries. Such problems might include cysts on the ovaries.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. The tissues deep inside become badly inflamed and the pressure of intercourse causes deep pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy in which a fertilized egg develops outside of the uterus.
- Menopause. The vaginal lining can lose its normal moisture and become dry.
- Intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. These may include genital warts, herpes sores or other STDs.
- Injury to the vulva or vagina. These injuries may include a tear from childbirth or from a cut (episiotomy) in the perenium (area of skin between the vagina and the anus) that is made during labor.
Some treatments for painful sex in women do not require medical treatment. For example, painful sex after pregnancy can be addressed by waiting at least six weeks after childbirth before having intercourse. Make sure to practice gentleness and patience. In cases in which there is vaginal dryness or a lack of lubrication, try water-based lubricants.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Womens Health center for more articles.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
