6 Health Conditions That Can Make Sex Painful For Women

Written by Rachana C  • 

As euphoric as sex might feel, it could be equally painful sometimes. Unfortunately, this is one problem that not many women like to discuss. Therefore, they silently tolerate the pain. But you don’t have to! Do your research and find out what is causing the pain. Although discussing this with your partner and the gynecologist should be your first step, here is something that will set you out on the right path. Here are 6 reasons that could be causing that pain while you were expecting pleasure.

1. Sexually Transmitted Disease

One of the reasons it could be hurting down there is a sexually transmitted disease. Diseases like chlamydia and genital herpes usually cause women to experience pain during intercourse (1). If you also have symptoms like burning sensation and itching in the genitals along with pain in the abdomen, fever or other aches as such, it could quite possibly be an STD. If you suspect anything like this, refrain from having sex with your partner until you rule this out. Make sure your partner is also tested before you completely rule out the chances of an STD.

2. Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which there is dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. This usually occurs as a result of hypoestrogenism, i.e., decrease in the levels of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs mainly in women after they have reached menopause. The dryness and thinning make sex painful. If you feel that it is after your menopause that you are experiencing discomfort and pain during sex, make sure your gynecologist knows. Although the depleting estrogen is causing this pain, it is not that you can’t treat the problem.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

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Apart from STDs, reasons like abortion, miscarriage, childbirth or even implantation of intrauterine devices can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). The discomforts that women experience with PID include pain in the pelvic area and back, unusual vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse (2). You could sense tenderness in the pelvic area and sometimes, there could be bleeding after a painful intercourse. Do not postpone your visit to the doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

4. Vaginismus

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If you find that your vagina isn’t able to tolerate penetration or open up during intercourse, it could be vaginismus. This is a condition in which there is a spasmodic movement of the muscles around the vagina, which makes it impossible for the vagina to open (3). Vaginismus makes sex as well as any kind of penetration painful. Even medical examinations like pap tests are impossible to conduct on patients with vaginismus because of their inability to open their vaginas. What makes it even more tricky is that the causes of this sexual problem are still not known. Some attribute it to a physical problem, while others attribute it to psychological problems. A traumatic sexual experience or an abusive childhood (sexual or otherwise) are some of the psychological problems that could cause this problem. Also, the fear of painful intercourse is one of the other causes.

If you experience any of these inhibitions or painful symptoms, it is important you discuss it with your confidants. If you are not comfortable with speaking about this to your partner (ideally, this shouldn’t be the case because he should be your first choice when it comes to talking about sexual problems), take medical help. Immediately.

5. Endometriosis

One of the most common reasons for painful sex is endometriosis. Women with endometriosis can experience deep pain during sex (4). The gnawing ache that aggravates during sex is because of the displacement of the endometrial lining of the uterus. In endometriosis, the uterine wall lining usually grows outside the uterus, which causes all the stabbing pain and discomfort. Sometimes, pain can continue for even two days after sex. Women with this problem not only experience pain during or after intercourse but also find it difficult to urinate and have bowel movements. Get medical help before this issue takes a toll on your physical and mental health and on the sexual relationship you share with your partner.

6. Inflammed Cervix

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Cervicitis or inflamed cervix is a common condition that most women experience at some point during their sexual life. There could be a host of causes leading to an inflamed cervix. A bacterial infection or an STD, and even allergic reactions to latex in condoms or spermicides used to kill sperms for birth control could all cause cervicitis (5). Once the cause is found, it is possible to treat cervicitis. The only challenge associated with this condition is that pain during sex could continue for several days, and if the cause is not easily found, the treatment can become difficult. Hence, if you experience unusual pain during intercourse or unusual vaginal discharge, go to the doctor immediately.

Women, please remember that it is okay to discuss this with your partner. It is important for you to find out what’s causing the pain. You needn’t hesitate because this is not a form of sexual deficiency or dysfunction that will make you inferior. Also, this is not something you should be embarrassed about. If it is an STD that is causing the pain, your partner equally has a hand in this, and unless you speak up, he might not even know that he might have caught the same infection. Speak before it is too late.

If you are disregarded for discussing anything like this or if you are under any trauma – sexual or otherwise – that is leading to something as debilitating as painful sex, you should remember that there’s always the choice to walk away or to get it treated. What do you have to say about this? Comment below to speak up, now!

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