Y
ou are someone who enjoys intimate moments with your partner, but there has been a recurring problem you can’t seem to fix. You experience pain during sex beyond what’s acceptable. Hence, you begin to question your entire existence and wonder if this is what and how it’s meant to be. There’s a name for this condition; it’s called dyspareunia.
Dyspareunia is a term that might sound complex but is straightforward. It’s a medical word used to describe a condition where, during intimate moments with your partner, you experience pain far beyond what’s acceptable or normal. In simpler terms, dyspareunia is when the pleasure of intimacy is replaced by intense discomfort or even pain.
What are the causes of pain during sex?
Dyspareunia isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem. It can be caused by;
Physical factors:
- Sometimes, infections like urinary tract infections or yeast infections can cause discomfort during intimacy.
- Medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can make things painful when you’re hitting under the sheets.
- When there’s not enough natural lubrication, it can lead to friction and discomfort.
Psychological factors:
- Stress, anxiety, or past traumas can cause situations like vaginismus (a condition where the muscles around the vagina tighten uncontrollably, which makes sex painful or even impossible) and make it hard to relax and enjoy those special moments.
- Problems in your relationship or communication issues can also play a role.
Hormonal changes:
- As we go through menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and thinner vaginal tissues, making sex painful.
Pelvic floor issues:
- If your pelvic muscles are too tight or weak, it can be a source of discomfort.
Allergies or sensitivities:
- Sometimes, allergies to stuff like lubricants or latex can cause irritation and pain during sex.
Medications:
- Certain medications, like some antidepressants or blood pressure meds, can mess with sexual function and lead to discomfort.
Post-surgery or childbirth:
- After surgery or childbirth, you might have scar tissue or changes in your pelvic region that cause dyspareunia.
How can you overcome painful sex?
There are several ways to deal with sex during sex, including:
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you’re experiencing painful sex, it’s crucial to consult a doctor or gynecologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions or infections. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Open communication: Talk to your partner about your concerns and discomfort. Honest and open communication is key to addressing the issue together.
- Stay lubricated: This is one of the easiest ways to overcome painful sex. Ensure you have enough lubrication to reduce friction during intercourse. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants can help.
- Try relaxation techniques: Learn relaxation methods, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to reduce anxiety and tension before and during sex.
- Don’t ignore foreplay: Spend more time on foreplay to increase arousal and natural lubrication. This can make the experience more comfortable.
- Consider the position and technique: Experiment with different sex positions to find more comfortable options. Gentle and considerate techniques can also reduce discomfort.
- Try pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening or relaxing exercises for the pelvic floor muscles can be helpful, and a physical therapist can guide you in this.
- Explore counseling or therapy: If emotional or psychological factors contribute to the pain, consider counseling or sex therapy to address these issues.
- Adjust medications: If medication side effects cause pain, consult your healthcare provider to discuss possible alternatives.
- Use treatment for specific conditions: If you’re diagnosed with conditions like vaginismus or endometriosis, specific treatments tailored to those conditions may be recommended. Pain during sex can vanish after the root causes are detected.
Featured image: cotton-bro studio/Pexels
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