Pain during sex

Pain during sex is medically known as dyspareunia- a condition in which the person feels pain after or while having sex. It can occur due to various reasons in both women and men.

In women it can occur due to vaginal dryness, low levels of estrogen due to menopause, sexually transmitted infections, or endometriosis. In men, it can occur due to prostatitis and tight foreskin. Dyspareunia can affect your relationship with your partner. But you should talk to them about it. Tell them how are you feeling physically and emotionally and when does the pain start to appear and how and when does it get better. They can also help you in feeling better. Talk to them at a time when there is no distraction and you can have an open conversation. At times, changing positions of sex can also help in getting rid of or reducing the pain. If you have the same complaint, you must visit a sexologist in Lahore.

Reasons of painful sex in women

In women, sex can be painful due to the reasons like;

• Wrong position
• Tilted uterus
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine adhesions
• Fibroids
• Vanigmusus
• Dry vagina
• Trauma

Wrong Position

A particular position can make you feel miserable while having sex. If you feel pain in a missionary position where a female lies on her back and the man approaches from upwards, then you may need to change the position. The missionary position may cause pain because the female is not able to regulate penetration. Instead, if she would approach from upwards while the man lying on his back, she could regulate the penetration.

Tilted uterus

According to an estimate, every 1 out of 4 women has a tilted uterus that can cause pain during sex. To know if you have a tilted uterus, you will need to visit a gynecologist. In this case, also, changing positions can help.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it like in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or even outside of the pelvis. Not does it only cause pain during sex, but it also causes pain during periods and bowel movements. It also causes heavy bleeding during periods and may make it difficult to conceive.

If you have endometriosis, it may cause pain while having sex because penetration may irritate the tissue of the uterus. To get rid of it, change the position. To know the right position for you that does not cause pain, you will need to try different ones. In this way, you will be able to know which position is painful for you and which is not.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are tiny fluid-filled sacs that occur in your ovaries. Usually, they do not cause pain but they can make sex painful for you. To get a diagnosis about it, you will need to get an ultrasound done.

Uterine adhesions

Uterine adhesions, also known as Asherman’s syndrome, is a condition in which tissues of the uterus or vagina stick together due to any scar tissue. It can occur due to a cesarean section, dilatation, and curettage, or radiation therapy. Uterine adhesions may also cause light bleeding or spotting after sex.

Fibroids

A fibroid is a benign mass that occurs in your uterus. However it can turn cancerous anytime, therefore, you need to keep an eye on it. The healthcare providers may remove it surgically if it is large in size and cause excessive bleeding. Fibroids also cause painful sex, pain during periods, constipation, and abdominal cramps.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition in which muscles of the vagina contract upon penis inertion, which can eventually makes sex painful. This condition is not in the control of a woman. Seeking professional advice can help get rid of it.

Dry vagina

A dry vagina can lead to painful sex. Your vagina can become dry due to;

• Low levels of estrogen due to hormonal medications
• Low levels of estrogen due to menopause
• Premenopausal syndrome
• Childbirth
• Breastfeeding

In these cases lubricate your vagina with a lube. It protects your vagina from drying out, hence reduces pain during sex too.

Trauma

After a prolonged labor, or procedures like dilatation and curettage, or episiotomy- an incision in the vagina to deliver the baby can traumatize your vagina and uterus. If you recently have had any surgical invasive procedure, wait for some time to have pleasureful sex. Otherwise, it may cause undue pain. Your body needs time to recover, therefore, you must give it some.

Psychological issues

Psychological issues like fear of intimacy, stress, and anxiety can make sex painful for some people. Psychological advice can help get rid of it. One should be given time to have sex, forcing someone can cause them more stress and anxiety.

Reasons of painful sex in males

In males, sex can be painful due to

• Prostatitis- inflammation of the prostate gland, one that produces semen and helps in ejaculation.
• Tight foreskin– as it is pushed backward during sex, it can become a factor for painful sex.

Conclusion

Painful sex can be more painful emotionally at times. One may feel bad about it. It is often treatable. You should talk to your partner and ask them for cooperation. Also, you must seek professional help. If you have a complaint of pain during sex, you must visit a sexologist in Karachi.