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After Intercourse Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Vaginal Soreness

Why does sex hurt afterwards. What causes pain in the vaginal area after intercourse. How can you prevent and treat soreness after sexual activity. What are the common reasons for discomfort in the vulva following penetration. When should you seek medical attention for post-coital pain.

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Understanding Vaginal and Vulvar Anatomy

To effectively address post-intercourse pain, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy of the female genital area. The vagina is a muscular canal extending from the vaginal opening to the cervix, while the vulva encompasses external structures such as the labia, clitoris, and urethral opening. Many individuals use the term “vagina” when referring to the entire genital area, but distinguishing between these structures is essential for pinpointing the source of discomfort.

Key Components of Female Genital Anatomy

  • Vagina: Muscular canal leading to the cervix
  • Vulva: External genital structures
  • Labia: Folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening
  • Clitoris: Highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva
  • Urethral opening: Small opening for urination

Is pain after intercourse always a cause for concern? While discomfort following sexual activity is rarely an emergency, it’s important to identify the underlying cause to determine appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.

Common Causes of Post-Intercourse Pain

Several factors can contribute to soreness in the vaginal area after sexual activity. Understanding these potential causes can help you address the issue effectively and improve your overall sexual health.

Insufficient Lubrication

Can a lack of lubrication lead to pain after sex? Absolutely. When the body doesn’t produce enough natural lubrication, increased friction during intercourse can result in microscopic tears in the vaginal tissue, causing discomfort and potential infection.

Vigorous or Prolonged Sexual Activity

How does the intensity of sexual activity affect post-coital pain? Rough or extended periods of penetration can inflame sensitive tissues in the vagina and vulva, leading to soreness and discomfort. This can be exacerbated by the use of fingers, sex toys, or other objects during sexual activity.

Allergic Reactions

Can products used during sex cause pain afterwards? Yes, allergic reactions to condoms, lubricants, or other intimate products can result in irritation and pain in the genital area. These reactions may affect both the vulva and the vaginal canal.

Infections and Medical Conditions Contributing to Post-Intercourse Pain

In some cases, pain after sexual activity may be a sign of an underlying infection or medical condition. Identifying these issues is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of future discomfort.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

How do STIs relate to post-coital pain? Vaginal pain during or after sex can be an early symptom of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes. Regular STI screenings for both partners are essential for maintaining sexual health and preventing reinfections.

Yeast Infections

What are the signs of a yeast infection causing post-intercourse pain? In addition to pain in the vulva or vagina after sexual activity, symptoms may include vaginal itching, swelling, and pain during urination. Prompt treatment can alleviate these symptoms and prevent further discomfort.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

How do UTIs affect sexual comfort? UTIs can cause pain in the vaginal area and pelvis, which may be exacerbated by sexual intercourse. Treating the underlying infection is crucial for relieving discomfort and preventing complications.

Hormonal and Age-Related Factors in Post-Intercourse Pain

Hormonal changes and aging can significantly impact sexual comfort and function. Understanding these factors can help you navigate changes in your body and maintain a healthy sex life.

Menopause and Vaginal Dryness

How does menopause affect vaginal health and sexual comfort? During menopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to decreased natural lubrication and thinning of vaginal tissues. This can result in discomfort or pain during and after sexual activity.

Hormonal Imbalances

Can hormonal fluctuations contribute to post-coital pain? Yes, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle or due to certain medical conditions can affect vaginal lubrication and tissue health, potentially leading to discomfort after intercourse.

Chronic Conditions Affecting Sexual Comfort

Some individuals may experience persistent pain or discomfort in the genital area, which can be exacerbated by sexual activity. Recognizing these chronic conditions is essential for proper management and treatment.

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis, and how does it relate to post-intercourse pain? Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, often caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. This condition can lead to itching, discharge, and pain that may be more noticeable during or after sexual activity.

Vulvodynia

How does vulvodynia affect sexual comfort? Vulvodynia is a chronic condition characterized by vulvar pain lasting at least three months. While its exact cause is unknown, it can lead to significant discomfort during and after sexual activity, as well as throbbing, burning, or stinging sensations.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Post-Intercourse Pain

Addressing post-coital discomfort often involves a combination of preventive measures and targeted treatments. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your sexual comfort and overall genital health.

Proper Lubrication

How can adequate lubrication prevent post-intercourse pain? Using a high-quality, water-based lubricant can reduce friction during sexual activity, minimizing the risk of tissue irritation and microscopic tears. For menopausal individuals, vaginal moisturizers may provide additional relief.

Communication and Foreplay

Why is open communication important for preventing sexual discomfort? Discussing preferences, boundaries, and any pain or discomfort with your partner can help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable sexual experience. Engaging in sufficient foreplay can also increase natural lubrication and arousal, reducing the likelihood of pain.

Treating Underlying Conditions

How can addressing medical issues improve sexual comfort? Seeking prompt treatment for infections, hormonal imbalances, or chronic conditions can significantly reduce post-intercourse pain and improve overall sexual health.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional mild discomfort after sexual activity is common, persistent or severe pain may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for maintaining your sexual and reproductive health.

Signs That Warrant Medical Evaluation

  1. Severe or persistent pain lasting more than a few days
  2. Unusual discharge, odor, or bleeding
  3. Pain accompanied by fever or chills
  4. Discomfort that interferes with daily activities or sexual function
  5. Recurrent episodes of post-intercourse pain

Should you ignore mild post-coital discomfort? While occasional mild soreness may resolve on its own, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions and ensure proper treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches

What methods do healthcare providers use to diagnose the cause of post-intercourse pain? Diagnosis may involve a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests for infections or hormonal imbalances, and in some cases, imaging studies to evaluate pelvic structures.

Promoting Long-Term Sexual Health and Comfort

Maintaining sexual health and comfort extends beyond addressing immediate post-intercourse pain. By adopting a holistic approach to genital health, you can enhance your overall well-being and sexual satisfaction.

Regular Health Screenings

How often should you undergo sexual health screenings? The frequency of screenings depends on various factors, including age, sexual activity, and risk factors. Generally, annual gynecological exams and STI testing are recommended for sexually active individuals.

Pelvic Floor Health

Can pelvic floor exercises improve sexual comfort? Absolutely. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises can enhance vaginal tone, improve lubrication, and potentially reduce discomfort during and after sexual activity.

Lifestyle Factors

How do lifestyle choices impact sexual health? Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to better genital health and sexual function.

By understanding the various causes of post-intercourse pain and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies, you can enjoy a more comfortable and satisfying sex life. Remember that open communication with your partner and healthcare provider is key to addressing any concerns and maintaining optimal sexual health. If you experience persistent or severe pain after sexual activity, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Pain

A sore vagina after sex is rarely an emergency and is often temporary. It could be due to vigorous sex, a yeast infection, an STI, or other issue. Usually, you can treat or prevent most causes.

If you’re experiencing soreness around your vaginal area after sexual intercourse, it’s important to understand where the pain is coming from so you can suss out the potential cause and best treatment.

The vagina is a long, muscular canal the runs from the vaginal opening to the cervix.

The vulva comprises the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. The labia are the lips, or folds, of skin around the vaginal opening.

Many people say “vagina” when they really mean “vulva.” We’ll keep these differences clear as you read about reasons why your vaginal area may hurt after sexual activity.

If you experience pain in your vagina or vulva after sexual penetration, there are several reasons why it could be happening. You can treat or prevent most causes. Rarely the pain may be a sign of an emergency.

Let’s explore the many reasons for a sore vaginal area after sexual activity, how to prevent soreness, and what you can do to treat it.

Several issues can be behind a sore vaginal area after sexual penetration. These causes include:

Lack of lubrication

When you’re aroused, your body releases natural lubrication. But sometimes, that lubrication isn’t enough. If your sexual arousal is low or you rush into things without giving yourself time to warm up, you may experience a little more friction than normal.

That friction can result in tiny, microscopic tears in the vagina, which can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, it may even lead to infection.

Prolonged or vigorous sex

If sexual penetration got a little rough, you may feel some pain or discomfort, both in your vagina and around the vulva. The friction and extra pressure can inflame the sensitive tissue.

If you or your partner used fingers, a sex toy, or any other object during sexual activity, you might experience some additional pain, too.

Depending on the material of the sex toy, some toys may require extra lubrication to reduce friction. Not properly using sex toys could experience some soreness after sexual activity as well.

Allergic reaction to condoms, lubricants, or other products

An allergic reaction to a latex condom, lubricant, or other product you bring into the bedroom could result in pain down below. It may cause genital irritation in the vulva as well. If anything was inserted into the vagina, the pain may extend into the canal.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Vaginal pain during sex may be the first symptom of an STI like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes.

If you haven’t been tested, consider an STI screening to rule out infections. If your partner hasn’t been tested, ask them to get screened, too. Treatment for both of you is vital to prevent future reinfections.

Yeast infection

Pain after sexual activity in the vulva or vagina is one of the more common symptoms of a yeast infection. Other symptoms include:

  • vaginal itching
  • swelling
  • pain during urination

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI can cause more than just pain when you urinate. It can also cause pain in your vaginal area and pelvis.

If you have a UTI when you have sexual intercourse, you may experience additional irritation and inflammation.

Bartholin’s cyst

Two Bartholin’s glands sit on either side of the vaginal opening. They provide natural lubrication to the vagina.

Sometimes, these cysts, or the ducts that move the fluid, can become blocked. This causes tender, fluid-filled bumps on one side of the vaginal opening.

Sexual activity can irritate Bartholin’s cysts and the tissue around them, which could cause unexpected pain.

Menopause

Before and during menopause, hormone levels in the body change dramatically. With less estrogen, the body produces less of its own natural lubricant.

Plus, tissue in the vagina becomes drier and thinner. That can make penetrative sex more uncomfortable, even painful.

Vaginitis

A change in the vagina’s natural balance of bacteria can result in inflammation. This condition, called vaginitis, can also cause itching and discharge.

Pain may be present in the vagina or labia even without sexual touch. Sexual activity may increase it or make it more noticeable.

Vulvar pain

Sexual touch can cause pain in the vulva, from both friction and pressure. If the pain is present before you start sexual activity, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition, like vulvar ulcers.

See a healthcare provider if vulvar irritation remains beyond a few hours or days. You may have a more serious issue, such as vulvodynia.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is vulvar pain that lasts at least 3 months. It’s not clear what causes this condition, but it’s not uncommon.

In addition to pain after sexual activity, you may experience throbbing, burning, or stinging in the vaginal area. In severe cases, the sensitivity is so great, it’s nearly impossible to wear clothing or perform daily tasks.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus in areas like the ovaries, abdomen, and bowel.

Pain during sexual intercourse and painful periods are common symptoms of endometriosis. This pain may be felt deeper in the body, like in the pelvis or upper vagina.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop on or in the uterus. When they become large, they can be quite painful. If you have uterine fibroids, you may experience pain in your pelvis after sexual activity.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection. Some of the same bacteria that cause STIs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause PID. Once established, the infection can spread to the:

  • uterus
  • fallopian tubes
  • cervix
  • ovaries

PID can cause:

  • pain in the pelvis
  • painful sexual intercourse
  • painful urination
  • bleeding
  • discharge

Vaginismus

Vaginismus causes muscles in and around the vagina and vaginal opening to contract tightly on their own. This shuts off the vagina and can make penetration during sex uncomfortable, if not impossible.

If you’re able to have sexual intercourse, the result might be pain in the vagina and around the vaginal opening after sexual activity.

Medication

Birth control suppresses natural hormone levels. It can make the tissues in the vagina thinner and drier.

If you don’t allow for proper natural lubrication (more foreplay is the answer), or you don’t use another lube, you may experience pain from friction after sexual activity.

Tight pelvic floor muscles

Tight pelvic floor muscles can make for uncomfortable sexual intercourse. Pelvic floor muscles may tighten as a result of:

  • poor posture
  • certain types of physical activity, like cycling
  • a naturally tighter muscle structure in and around the pelvis

Reverse Kegels can help. Instead of contracting and holding the muscles to build strength, you’ll want to work on relaxing them.

Swelling and irritation in the labia after sexual activity isn’t always concerning. After all, these tissues naturally swell with arousal, as blood and fluids rush to the area.

But if you’re experiencing pain in addition to inflammation, you may have some minor irritation from friction and pressure. This should go away in a few hours, or by the next day.

Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider if swollen labia persist, or if you begin to experience other symptoms, like:

  • painful urination
  • throbbing
  • burning

These may be symptoms of an infection that needs prescription treatment.

You can treat some of these conditions at home. Others may need the attention of a healthcare provider.

Ice pack

Pain from friction or pressure should end on its own in a matter of hours. In the meantime, an ice pack may help ease vulvar discomfort.

Hold the ice pack in place for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Don’t place the ice pack directly on the vulva; have underwear or a washcloth in between. Don’t insert the ice pack into your vagina, either.

If using an ice pack is uncomfortable or painful, stop and consult a healthcare provider.

Antibiotics

Prescription antibiotics can treat infections like a UTI, PID, and some STIs. Some over-the-counter treatments are also available for yeast infections. However, it’s advisable to get a diagnosis and recommended treatment from a healthcare provider before self-treating.

Hormonal treatment

Hormone replacement therapy may benefit some people. This allows the body to gradually adjust to the hormone changes caused by menopause, for example. It may also help restore some natural lubrication and reduce painful sexual penetration.

Healthcare providers may prescribe hormonal birth control to people with endometriosis. This may stop painful episodes.

Surgery

If you have a Bartholin’s cyst or uterine fibroids, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove these. In the case of a cyst, draining may be attempted before the gland is removed.

Lubricants

If you want a helping hand in reducing friction, load up on lube. Opt for water-based lubricants, as they’re less likely to irritate the delicate skin of the vagina and vulva.

Oil-based lubes can break down the material of a condom, which could cause tears.

Don’t be afraid to reapply if you start to feel any tugging or tearing. When it comes to lube, more is almost always a good thing.

Allergy-free products

If you suspect you’re allergic to materials in the condoms or sex toys you use, try new ones. Polyurethane condoms are available. Just keep in mind they aren’t as strong as latex.

If lube makes your vulva sensitive, skip it. Go for synthetic materials that are less likely to cause irritation and pain.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise

Reverse Kegels may help you relax your pelvic floor muscles. Not only might this reduce pain after sexual intercourse, it could make sexual penetration more enjoyable from the start.

Therapy

Some people with a vagina may experience anxiety after having painful sexual penetration. That can prevent them from experiencing sexual pleasure or being able to relax during intercourse.

In that case, sex therapy may help them overcome and manage their anxiety. For a list of certified sex therapists in your area, check out the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) directory.

If pain persists longer than a day or two, or you experience bleeding or unusual discharge, see a healthcare provider. If you don’t already have a OBGYN, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

They can make a diagnosis and provide the right treatment for you. Earlier treatment can prevent further complications.

Sexual penetration should never be painful. Talk with a healthcare provider about pain you’re experiencing, even if it goes away within a day or two.

Together, you can treat the issue that’s causing the pain and prevent it from happening in the first place.

Read this article in Spanish.

Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

Share on PinterestA person may experience a sore vagina after sex for a variety of reasons.

The following sections will look at some potential causes of vaginal soreness after sex in more detail.

1. A lack of lubrication

A common cause of pain during or after sexual intercourse is a lack of lubrication. The vagina creates lubrication naturally, both to clean itself and when a person is aroused.

However, although vaginal dryness is common following menopause, low estrogen levels can cause it to occur at any age.

Using lubricated condoms and oil-free lubricants can help with reducing pain during and after sex.

2. A general lack of arousal

In some cases, a person may not feel in the mood, or they may not be fully prepared to have sex with their partner.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), engaging in penetration when not aroused or ready can make sex uncomfortable or painful, both during and after intercourse.

3. Low estrogen levels

Estrogen levels fluctuate significantly over the course of a person’s life, such as during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy.

These fluctuations can result in low estrogen, which may cause symptoms such as pain during sex, hot flashes, fatigue, or mood shifts.

Treatment options vary but may include hormonal therapies.

4. Menopause

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) say that menopause leads to vaginal dryness, a tighter vaginal opening, and the thinning of the vaginal walls. This lack of lubrication and flexibility can cause painful sexual encounters.

A person should talk to their doctor about potential treatment options and use lubricated condoms or a lubricant during sex.

5. Previous injury

Sustaining injuries to the vagina may cause sex to become painful or uncomfortable.

For example, giving birth to a large baby may tear the vagina and cause scar tissue to form, resulting in pain during intercourse. A person should talk to their doctor about possible treatments for scar tissue in the vagina.

6. Latex allergies

A latex allergy can cause burning, itchiness, and pain if a partner uses a latex condom.

If a person has an allergy, they should try to use alternatives to latex condoms, such as polyisoprene condoms, internal condoms, or polyurethane condoms.

7. Skin conditions

According to the ACOG, certain skin conditions — such as contact dermatitis — may cause skin cracking or ulcers near the vulva.

This cracking could result in pain during or after sexual intercourse. A person would need to avoid certain irritants to prevent the skin from reacting.

This may include avoiding certain skin care products, clothing, and even some lubricants.

8. Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition that causes pain in the vulva. According to the ACOG, the pain tends to be located at the opening of the vagina.

Medications or surgery may be necessary to treat this condition.

9. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow on the ovaries. They can cause several symptoms, including pelvic pain, pain during sex, and difficulty urinating.

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) explain that a doctor may prescribe pain relievers or hormonal birth control to relieve the symptoms of troublesome ovarian cysts.

In more severe cases, wherein the cyst is causing considerable pain and will not go away, surgery may be necessary.

10. Vaginismus

Vaginismus causes the muscle between the vaginal opening and the opening of the anus to spasm involuntarily.

The NAMS explain that vaginismus can make penetration difficult and cause pain during or after sex.

Some treatment options for this condition include:

  • physical therapy
  • biofeedback
  • vaginal dilators
  • cognitive behavioral psychotherapy
  • relaxation exercises
  • certain medications

11. Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a bacterial or fungal infection that causes inflammation in the vagina. Symptoms can include odorous discharge, itchiness, and pain.

For a bacterial infection, a doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics, and for a fungal infection, they may prescribe antifungal medication.

Many women do not present with symptoms of vaginitis. In some cases, they will only find out that they have an infection during a routine gynecological exam.

12. Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria from the anus or skin travel up the urethra and into the bladder or kidneys.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UTIs have similar symptoms to some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, a person should speak to their doctor if they think they have a UTI or have symptoms such as:

  • frequent urination
  • pain or burning when urinating
  • blood in the urine

A doctor will treat a UTI with antibiotics after conducting a urine test and a physical exam.

13. Bladder inflammation

Bladder inflammation, or interstitial cystitis, is a chronic condition that causes an irritated or inflamed bladder wall.

Some common symptoms include a feeling of pressure or pain around the bladder or pelvis, a frequent need to urinate, and pain during sex.

Treatments do not cure the condition, but they can provide some relief. Some options include medication, bladder training, and surgery.

14. Prolapsed bladder

The pelvic floor muscles and tissues provide support for the bladder. Over time or due to injury, this support can weaken, causing the bladder to push through into the vagina.

Though some people may not experience symptoms, some common ones — according to the Urology Care Foundation — include pain in the vagina, frequent UTIs, and pain during sex.

Treatments may include surgery, therapies to strengthen the pelvic floor, and medication.

15. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an STI that may go unnoticed for some people. However, the CDC indicate that other people may experience burning during urination, abnormal discharge from the vagina, or pain during sexual intercourse.

Doctors typically treat chlamydia with antibiotics.

16. Herpes

Herpes is an STI that causes open sores to develop on the genitals.

According to the CDC, there is currently no cure for herpes, but medications can help reduce the number and severity of outbreaks a person experiences.

17. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also an STI. It does not always present with symptoms, but without treatment, it can cause serious complications, such as infertility.

According to the CDC, some common symptoms of gonorrhea include:

  • an increase in vaginal discharge
  • burning or pain during urination
  • bleeding between periods
  • pain during sex

Doctors can treat gonorrhea with medication, but this cannot correct damage such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can develop if a person does not seek treatment for gonorrhea.

Drug resistant strains of gonorrhea are now more common, so it is getting more difficult to treat this infection. If the infection is not responding well to treatment, or if the person’s symptoms are not improving, it is important to contact a doctor.

18. Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a rare chronic condition that causes inflammation of the skin around the external areas of the genitals. It typically occurs before puberty or after menopause.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, lichen sclerosus can cause pain, burning, and itching. It often requires aggressive treatment using topical steroids to help minimize scarring.

There is currently no cure, so treatment will continue for the duration of a person’s life.

19. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.

The OWH list several possible endometriosis symptoms, including:

  • pain during and after sexual intercourse
  • infertility
  • general pain in the pelvic area
  • digestive issues
  • bleeding or spotting

Treatment may consist of pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove the growths.

20. Previous sexual abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse may associate sex with pain, which may cause vaginal tightening and tension during sexual intercourse.

If this is the case, a person may wish to speak to their doctor. They may refer them to a psychiatrist or pelvic floor physical therapist, who can help the person relieve any tension in their pelvic floor muscles.

Learn more about trauma here.

A person should talk to their doctor if they experience painful sex or pain after sex that does not get better with lubricant use or another form of treatment.

They should also see their doctor if they experience additional symptoms, such as itchiness, burning, or foul smelling discharge.

There are many potential causes of vaginal soreness after sexual intercourse. The cause can determine how a person prevents future soreness and treats the problem.

A person should talk to their doctor about their options if they experience pain during or after sex, particularly if other symptoms accompany the pain.

Painful pleasure – understanding the causes of problems with an obstetrician gynecologist

Harsh statistics tell us that about half of women have experienced painful relationships at least once during sex. And many experience pain on a regular basis. But at the same time, this topic is very delicate, and many are embarrassed to admit this not only to their man, but also to the doctor. Meanwhile, pain during sex is not the norm, and can be a symptom of some very serious diseases! With the help of an obstetrician-gynecologist at the EUROMED Clinic of Alina Vladimirovna CHAPLOUTSKAYA, let’s figure out what unpleasant sensations during sex warn us about.

What you feel: sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen during penetration. Also, similar sensations, but not as sharp, can occur during menstruation.

Possible cause: ovarian cyst.

What to do? Consult a gynecologist and undergo an ultrasound. Most likely, nothing terrible happens, most cysts disappear on their own within two to three cycles. The doctor will recommend repeating the ultrasound in a few months to check the dynamics of the condition of the ovary.

What do you feel: during intercourse there is a feeling that something is interfering inside. Also, painful sensations appeared during menstruation, the urge to urinate became more frequent, and pain in the back tormented.

Possible cause: uterine fibroids. This is a benign tumor that has a different localization, it can be in volume from a few millimeters to the size of a large orange.

What to do? Consult a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe an ultrasound, according to the results of which it will be possible to judge the presence of a neoplasm, its location and size. In the future, the doctor will select the treatment, it can be both conservative and surgical. The operation is the most reliable way to get rid of fibroids, and in the conditions of modern techniques, the intervention will be minimal.

What you feel: sharp pain radiating all over the pelvis, sometimes to the anus, to the leg. Menstruation becomes more painful and profuse, bleeding or spotting is possible during sex and in the intermenstrual period.

Possible cause: endometriosis.

What to do? Without delay, consult a gynecologist, undergo an examination. Endometriosis is often the cause of infertility. Treatment of endometriosis can be conservative or surgical, this decision is made by the doctor after the examination.

What you feel: pain that is accompanied by an urge to urinate. There may also be pain when urinating.

Possible cause: infections of the urethra, bladder.

What to do? Visit a doctor, take a general urine test, based on the results of which a specialist will prescribe treatment.

What you feel: vaginal itching, redness. During sex, irritation increases, manifests itself in the form of pain, increased itching.

Possible cause: fungal infection, most likely a commonplace “thrush”.

What to do? Consult a gynecologist and get tested. Do not self-medicate. Buying one of the advertised products at random in a pharmacy – there is such a great chance that the process will go into a chronic stage. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable drugs, based on the result of the tests.

What do you feel: pain during intercourse, which appeared after childbirth.

Possible Cause: During childbirth, many women experience a tear in the perineum, or doctors perform an episiotomy (make an incision) to ease the birth process. At the site of ruptures or incisions, scar tissue forms, and it is this that leads to pain.

What to do? If several months have passed since the birth and the discomfort has not disappeared, consult a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe an effective complex of drug therapy, taking into account the results of the examination. In addition, the doctor may recommend massage, physiotherapy, anesthetic ointment.

What you feel: pain when trying to penetrate, during friction.

Possible cause: inflammation of the genitals or vagina.

What to do? Visit a gynecologist and get tested for genital infections. The doctor will prescribe treatment, most likely, for you and your partner.

What do you feel: pain during each movement of the partner, possibly spotting after sex.

Possible cause: pelvic inflammatory disease.

What to do? Consult a gynecologist for examination and treatment. In no case do not self-medicate! After the examination, the gynecologist will most likely prescribe anti-inflammatory treatment and prescribe complete sexual rest until the moment of recovery.

What do you feel: pain during intercourse, and pain during physical exertion.

Possible cause: adhesive process in the small pelvis.

What to do? When diagnosing adhesions, the doctor may prescribe resolving therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises. If conservative treatment does not help, adhesions are dissected during laparoscopic surgery.

What you feel: convulsive contraction of the muscles of the vagina when trying to start sexual intercourse, similar sensations often occur during examination by a gynecologist.

Possible cause: vaginismus. Usually the causes of this disease are psychological, associated with fear of sex, bad experiences in the past.

What to do? Vaginismus is treated with psychotherapy, hypnosis. Relaxation exercises can help.

What do you feel: insufficient amount of natural lubrication, which leads to dryness in the vagina, as a result – to painful sensations during penetration, microcracks in the mucosa.

Possible cause: either you are not sufficiently aroused, or you are not producing enough lubrication in principle.

What to do? This reason is easiest to solve – using a lubricant that you can buy at any pharmacy or supermarket.

We have listed the most common causes of pain during intercourse. The main thing that I want to repeat once again is that you don’t have to endure pain during sex! If you feel discomfort, consult a doctor, solve the problem and enjoy life, including sexual life, to the fullest!

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Pain during and after sexual intercourse

One of the most pleasant and exciting moments in a woman’s life is intimacy with her beloved man. Gentle touches of strong hands, exciting hugs, a pleasant smell of the body, a soft voice … The heart begins to beat hard, the head is spinning. Intimacy is very important for a woman both in terms of emotional peace and satisfaction, and in terms of physical development.

However, it often happens that intimacy ceases to give former pleasure. There are quite a few reasons leading to this. One of the most common causes is pain during intercourse, pain after or before intercourse.

There was an opinion that pain during intercourse was caused solely by the psychological state of the woman. When, during meetings and rapprochement of partners, a woman sets herself a certain “block” that prevents her from relaxing and slows down the onset of pleasant sensations.

In the past, discomfort during intimacy was treated exclusively by psychotherapists or sexologists. Today it is known for certain that the stomach or perineum can hurt during intimacy due to the emergence and development of a number of physiological reasons. The obstetrician-gynecologist is engaged in the treatment of such pain.

What is pain like during sex?

Pain during intercourse doctors call dyspareunia . It can hurt in different ways. Often women describe it as discomfort, burning sensation, discomfort, sipping, tingling. Often the pain is accompanied by copious discharge of an unnatural color.

According to medical observations, more than half of all women experience dyspareunia at some time in their lives. Most often, this disease occurs among women in the postpartum period, as well as during menopause.

Pain can be caused by anything – there are actually many. Depending on the source of pain, the causes are:

  • Symptomatic or physical . In this case, pain during sexual intercourse is a symptom of some disturbance in the functioning of the genitourinary system – these are cicatricial changes in organs, their traumatic injuries, inflammation, tumor processes, violation of the integrity of the hymen (defloration).
  • Psychological . In this case, dyspareunia is caused solely by the psychological state of the patient. These are conflicts in a couple, anxiety and obsessions (for example, fear of pregnancy or the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections), traumatic situations in the past (for example, betrayal of a partner or sexual abuse), guilt towards a partner, fear after painful childbirth, loss relatives and others.
  • Mixed . In this type of dyspareunia, physiological causes first arise, to which psychological causes are then added. The woman begins to be afraid of the repetition of pain and refuses intimacy. A striking example is endometriosis . It leads to quite noticeable pain during sex with a partner. The next time a woman begins to be afraid of the appearance of this pain, she cannot relax, the muscles of her intimate organs spasm (this phenomenon is called vaginismus), causing discomfort. Since there is no excitation, mucus is not produced, there is an additional feeling of dryness and discomfort. It’s a vicious circle.

Depending on the location of the pain, dyspareunia can be:

  • Superficial – when it hurts “outside” . Somewhere where the large and small labia, the clitoris, near the entrance to the vagina. There is discomfort during foreplay or at the very beginning of sexual intercourse, when partners try to get closer. Often such superficial pain indicates fungal diseases, genital herpes, bartholinitis, and genital defects.
  • Deep – when the pain is localized somewhere inside, in the pelvic area. Unpleasant sensations arise directly when making love. This type of pain often indicates inflammation of the female organs, the presence of infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, tumors.

Causes of pain during sexual intercourse

There are many reasons for pain during intercourse:

  • Acute and chronic infectious diseases of the genitourinary system and female genital organs – vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis, adnexitis, inflammatory processes in the bladder, etc.
  • Sexually transmitted infections;
  • Vaginal atrophy;
  • Injuries resulting from childbirth or after surgery;
  • Endometriosis, pelvic congestion, adhesions
  • Cervical erosion
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Ovarian cyst, tumors of various origins
  • Vaginal atrophy,
  • Side effects of certain drugs
  • Allergic reactions to condoms, synthetic clothing, certain contraceptives,
  • Congenital pathologies in the formation of the genital and pelvic organs
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Age-related changes – menopause or menopause
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • and others.

Treatment of pain during and after sexual intercourse


What should I do if discomfort occurs during sex with a partner? Without delay, come to an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist. After conducting tests and other necessary studies, the doctor will determine the exact cause of the pain and prescribe an effective treatment.

Hormone therapy – for hormone imbalance in the body, antibiotics – for inflammatory diseases, antifungal agent – for fungal infections (vaginal candidiasis) and so on.

If a girl or woman complains of vaginal dryness, doctors often prescribe the use of additional lubricant during intercourse (lubricated condoms, special gels and lubricants).

During menopause, women are prescribed drugs that correct the hormonal state (estrogen-containing).

Changes in position and insertion depth may also be recommended.

Some women are prescribed courses of relaxation treatments – massage, acupuncture, and sedatives or antidepressants.

The most modern method of treating pain during intercourse is laser.

In the medical center HARMONY, laser treatment is carried out on the new device Deka Mona Lisa Touch (Italy). This laser is specially designed for gynecological applications and uses a special patented CO2 technology.

Treatment of dyspareunia in our medical center:

  1. Effective . The result is noticeable after the first procedure!
  2. Safe . Thanks to the use of the latest laser, the genitals are not injured, there are no complications after the procedure.
  3. Painless . No discomfort during or after the procedure.
  4. Fast . Three treatments are often sufficient.
  5. Long term . The effect after the procedure, as a rule, persists for life, except for the occurrence of traumatic situations.

The procedure for laser treatment of pain during intercourse is carried out only by qualified gynecologists who have the skills to use the Deka Mona Lisa Touch device.

How is the procedure itself?

You come to the clinic for a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist – a specialist in laser surgery. Sit comfortably in a chair and relax. The doctor gently and delicately inserts the laser into the vagina. Due to the warming of the tissues of the mucous membrane of the vagina, you feel only heat and some vibration. The procedure lasts from 1 to 5 minutes. The number of procedures is individual. For most patients, three courses are enough!

After the procedure is over, you get dressed and go about your business. Some small restrictions are imposed only for the next week after laser treatment. Usually this is abstinence from intimacy and some local drugs to enhance the effect of treatment.

Laser treatment of pain during intercourse will allow you to quickly recover and establish an intimate relationship with your loved one. And the heart will begin to beat strongly again, the head will spin, pleasant goosebumps will run … Come to us, and everything will be fine!

Service

Price, BYN

Laser fractional correction of the vaginal walls using a CO2 laser (Laser rejuvenation of the vaginal walls)

365.49

Laser depigmentation of the vulvar skin using CO2 laser (Whitening of intimate areas)

139.53

Laser fractional correction of stress incontinence using CO2 laser (Laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence)

327.83

Laser fractional correction of perineal skin using CO2 laser (Labia Majora Lift)

139.53

Laser fractional correction of vulva using CO2 laser Ulva)

488.85

Laser fractional correction of the skin of the perineum and perianal area using CO 2 laser (Laser rejuvenation of the perianal area with lifting of the labia majora)

488.85

Complex laser fractional correction of the mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina using CO 2 laser (Laser rejuvenation of the vulva and vaginal walls)

838.