Before fixing the issue, you need to determine what causes it. This World Sexual Health Day, we\u2019re focusing on the main causes of painful sex for women and how you can find a solution.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s dive straight in.<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing painful sex, you\u2019ll probably know about it. We\u2019ll quickly go over common symptoms, though, as these will help you figure out the cause of the issue.<\/p>\n Painful sex can involve one or multiple of these symptoms:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Use these general categories to help you work out what\u2019s causing your painful sex, so you can get back to having great sex and enjoying its benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s jump to the specifics. Below are the common causes of painful sex, ranging from quick fixes to medical problems.<\/p>\n If you experience pain on entry, you might need more lubrication. There are a range of different reasons you may be experiencing dryness, and none of them are a reason to be ashamed.<\/p>\n Dryness can be caused by:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This issue can simply be fixed by loading up on the lubricant<\/a> – something we should all be doing anyway.<\/p>\n Another cause of entry pain is irritation, injury, or trauma. Pelvic surgery, accidents, or episiotomies typically cause this. If this is your issue, seeing a medical professional for expert guidance is best.<\/p>\n Infections, STIs, and general inflammation can also cause entry pain. A doctor should also examine this problem, as they can prescribe medication to cure the infection. Common causes here include UTIs, sexually transmitted diseases, eczema, or other genital skin disorders.<\/p>\n Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal wall muscles randomly spasm resulting in painful sex. Today, more and more women are speaking out about this issue, and doctors can help those who suffer from it achieve comfortable penetration.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing deep pain or sharp pain with deep penetration, it could be caused by an illness or condition. You should see a medical professional to determine the exact cause.<\/p>\n However, deep pain can be caused by:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n If you suspect you’re suffering from any of these issues, tackling these at the root rather than loading up on lube is best.<\/p>\n After recent surgeries or medical treatments, you\u2019re more likely to experience deep pain during intercourses. For example, pelvic surgery, hysterectomies, and chemotherapy are common causes of deep pain. Your healthcare provider can offer personal advice and guidelines to help you navigate healing after these treatments.<\/p>\n Stress affects all aspects of our lives, including sex. If you initiate intercourse while stressed, your pelvic muscles may be tighter and can cause pain. It\u2019s important to only engage in intercourse when relaxed to ensure the experience feels better physically and mentally.<\/p>\n Psychological or mental health issues<\/a> can also lead to painful sex, as they can lower arousal and lead to dryness or tighter vaginal muscles. Such issues include anxiety, depression, fear of intimacy, and low self-esteem. Working through these with a counsellor can help you tackle intercourse with more confidence.<\/p>\n A history of sexual abuse can lead to pain during sex. Not everyone with a history of abuse experiences this, but it can affect some people. Professional therapy is the best course of action in this case.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to make sex more enjoyable, we\u2019re here to help. These are the best at-home or self-help measures you can take to improve intercourse. However, before you try these, make sure you\u2019ve considered the cause of your pain, as seeing a doctor might be your best route.<\/p>\n Make sure you tell your partner what feels good and what doesn\u2019t. Ask your partner to go slowly or stop completely if it becomes painful. Pushing through the pain won\u2019t help.<\/p>\n If the home strategies don\u2019t lessen your pain during intercourse, if you think an infection or medical condition causes it, it\u2019s time to see a healthcare provider. This way, they can refer you to appropriate medications, relevant therapies, or to a specialist for a better diagnosis.<\/p>\n Before you see a doctor, prepare information about any medications you take, conditions you\u2019ve experienced in the past, and information about painful sex. This information gives the professional everything they need to know to help you find a solution.<\/p>\n Finally, don\u2019t be nervous. Though many of us find it uncomfortable to talk about sex, medical professionals are there to help you feel your best.<\/p>\n Hopefully, this guide has helped you pinpoint the cause of painful sex. Suffering from pain during sex isn\u2019t pleasant, especially if it\u2019s sudden and outlasts sex. But it’s a very common issue we need to discuss more – bookmark this article so you can share it later. It’s time to bust the shame!<\/p>\nCommon symptoms of painful sex<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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9 common causes of painful sex<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Not enough lube (vaginal dryness)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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2. Irritation or injury<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"painful](\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/what-to-do-if-sex-hurts-2.png\")
<\/p>\n3. Inflammation, infection, and STIs <\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Vaginismus<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Illnesses and pre-existing conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n
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>6. Medical treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Psychological issues<\/span><\/h3>\n
9. History of sexual abuse <\/span><\/h3>\n
Strategies to lessen pain during sex<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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![\"painful](\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/what-to-do-if-sex-hurts-1.png\")
<\/p>\nWhen to see a doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n