Hope and help for pain during sex
If you are experiencing pain during sex, you are not alone. Known as dyspareunia, painful intercourse affects about three out of every four women at some point in their lives. Sometimes, the pain is temporary, but in some cases, painful sex is a persistent problem that affects a woman’s self-confidence, sex drive and relationships. If you are experiencing this common problem, our San Antonio OBGYNs encourage you to make an appointment, so we can diagnose and treat the cause to help you get comfortable again.
What causes pain during sex?
Sexual pain can feel like a sharp pain or an aching or burning sensation, and it may be felt externally on the vulva or perineum, or internally in the vagina, cervix or elsewhere in the pelvic area. The good news is that the common causes of pain during sex are treatable.
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginitis, or vaginal infections, including yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or urinary tract infections
- Hormonal changes, especially after pregnancy, during perimenopause and menopause, or while breastfeeding
- Lack of desire for sex
- Lack of arousal
- Emotional issues that affect sex drive
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Vaginismus, or muscle spasms
- Scar tissue from childbirth or surgery
- Skin disorders of the vulva
- Vulvodynia, a pain disorder affecting the vulva and vaginal area
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic adhesions
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
What are some treatments for painful intercourse?
Treatment for pain is targeted to the specific cause and each woman’s individual situation. For example, infections or skin disorders can typically be resolved with medications, while painful intercourse caused by hormone changes can be treated with hormone therapy and lubricants. If muscle spasms or a pelvic floor disorder are causing pain, effective therapy options are available.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to ease pain during sex. This may be an option to help with pain caused by scar tissue, adhesions, ovarian cysts, endometriosis or vulvodynia.
When pain during sex is related to a lack of arousal or desire, emotional factors are often at play. Relationship challenges, stress, guilt, body image, tiredness or just feeling embarrassed can all make it difficult to get “in the mood.” In such cases, we can help you find ways to improve communication with your partner, get any therapy you may need, and explore intimate activities that don’t involve pain. Certain medications may also affect libido, and the answer may be as simple as changing a prescription.
Don’t wait to get help for sexual dysfunction
Painful intercourse is a quality of life issue and a medical concern that calls for a visit to our San Antonio OBGYNs. Especially if you are experiencing frequent or severe pain, or notice unusual discharge or bleeding, don’t wait to get help. Certain gynecologic conditions that can cause pain during sex need to be treated promptly.
Hope and help are available, and we encourage you to make an appointment to discuss your concerns openly and honestly with our professional gynecological team. We are here to support every aspect of your health and well-being, including sexual wellness.