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Pain during or after sexual activity is called dyspareunia. This condition can affect people of all genders. The pain may be felt in the genitals, lower abdomen, or pelvis. It may feel sharp, burning, throbbing, or like a dull ache. Pain can happen before, during, or after sex. While some people experience it occasionally, for others it may be ongoing and distressing.
Dyspareunia can have both physical and emotional causes. It’s important to know that painful sex is not something you have to live with. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many people find relief.
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The pain varies from mild to severe; also, depending on the cause, an individual's experiences of the pain can differ. In case of persistent or severe pain, don't hesitate to get in touch with your healthcare provider and do not self-diagnose. You may experience pain:
In the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, urethra, or bladder.
When engaging in physical activity or intimacy.
Before, during, or after sexual activity.
In the lower abdomen or pelvic region.
Even after experiencing non-painful intimacy.
Depending on the situation or partner.
While using menstrual products.
Accompanied by discomfort, irritation, or soreness.
As sharp, intense pain, similar to strong menstrual cramps.
Consult our gynaecology hospital if you are experiencing pain during intercourse.
Occasional soreness or discomfort/pain during intercourse is common, but we shouldn’t be treating it as a normal condition. In case you experience persistent pain during intercourse, there might be some medical condition underneath that you are not aware of. A few of the major and most common physical causes of painful intercourse are:
Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is a common condition affecting many women as they age, particularly during and after menopause. It occurs when the vagina thins, dries and becomes inflamed due to a decrease in oestrogen levels.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Millions of people contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year, with some like chlamydia and gonorrhoea causing vaginal irritation and painful sex.
Vaginal Infections: It's common to experience vaginal discomfort like irritation, discharge, and tenderness. This can be related to vaginitis, which occurs when the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, sometimes due to yeast overgrowth.
Vaginitis, or Inflammation of the vagina
Previous Injuries
Intercourse too soon after Surgery or Childbirth
Foreskin Damage
Penis Deformities or Peyronie’s Disease
Painful Erection
Radiation and Chemotherapy
Fibroids: The non-cancerous cells, when grown in the uterus, cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure and might result in painful intercourse.
Along with all the physical attributes, several psychological factors contribute to the causes of painful intercourse:
Stress, which can result in tightened muscles of the pelvic floor
Fear, guilt, or shame related to sex
Self-image or body issues
Medications such as birth control pills
Relationship problems
Conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease
History of sexual abuse
Many women (around 75%, as reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) experience pain during sex at some point. Painful sex isn't normal and there are options for help.
It's important to find the root cause of pain during sex. Your healthcare provider can help by discussing your health history and conducting a compassionate physical examination that might involve checking your pelvic area, abdomen, and reproductive organs.
Physical Examination: A crucial first step is a thorough consideration of your medical and sexual history is mandatory. During a physical examination for dyspareunia treatment, your healthcare provider might ask you;
When and where do you experience discomfort?
Which activities or positions are associated with the discomfort?
Are there other activities or situations where you feel similar pain or discomfort?
Would your partner be interested in collaborating to find solutions?
Are there any other health concerns that you think might be contributing to the situation?
A thorough pelvic examination is common to find out the root cause. Following a pap test, you might undergo an ultrasound, urine test, or allergy test to understand the pain caused because of some injury, yeast infection, or something else.
Tailoring treatment begins with identifying and addressing the root causes of pain during intercourse. Medical professionals explore factors such as infections, hormonal imbalances, and pelvic floor disorders before curating a treatment plan
Medications
Physical Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Lubricants and Moisturisers
Surgical Interventions – In certain cases, surgical procedures may be considered, especially when structural abnormalities contribute to pain. These interventions are typically explored after thorough evaluation and discussion with healthcare professionals.
Sexual Counselling
Vaginal Dilators
Education and Communication – Knowledge about anatomy, sexual response, and effective communication is essential. Healthcare providers often offer education to empower individuals and couples in addressing concerns related to painful intercourse.
Continuous follow-up care is crucial to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any new concerns that may arise. Individuals are encouraged to communicate openly with their gynaecologists for ongoing support.
If you experience minor or secondary symptoms of dyspareunia, it may be because of a lack of lubrication. If you wish to try some home remedies to avoid the pain, there are some things you can try before intercourse.
Water-soluble lubricants are good.
Initiate sex when both you and your partner are relaxed and rested
Open communication with your partner and build intimacy
Emptied bladder before intercourse
Take a shower in lukewarm water
Speak to a doctor if:
The pain is persistent or gets worse
It affects your relationship or quality of life
You have other symptoms like bleeding or unusual discharge
You feel anxious or stressed about sex
A gynaecologist, urologist, or sexual health expert can help find the cause and offer the right treatment.
The first approach is identifying the cause. Treatments may start with lubricants, addressing infections, or using hormone creams. Lifestyle changes and pelvic floor therapy may also help.
Doctors perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms and may do tests like a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or urine test to check for infections or other causes.
It varies. For some, it lasts only a few days or weeks if treated early. For others, it may continue for months or longer if the root cause is not treated.
It can happen at any age, from teens to older adults. It’s more common after menopause due to hormonal changes, but younger people may also experience it due to infections or stress.
Any pain felt during or after sex is considered dyspareunia. Many people experience it at some point, especially women after menopause or childbirth.
Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and past trauma can contribute to pain during intercourse. Counselling and therapy are valuable components of comprehensive treatment
Yes. Managing stress, using lubricants, staying physically active, and improving communication with your partner can make a difference.
Ask about the cause, available treatments, lifestyle changes, and whether any tests are needed. Be honest about your symptoms to get the right help.
