Painful intercourse can be troublesome from both a physiological perspective and a psychological one. If sex has suddenly become uncomfortable for you, you may be suffering from a medical condition that requires treatment. And if the lack of intimacy is affecting your relationship, you’re probably suffering on an emotional level, as well.
You may already know that treating the underlying cause of the pain will improve your life in more ways than one. Regardless, you may not feel comfortable discussing your symptoms. But it is important to remember that you are not alone.
If you are suffering from persistent painful intercourse and you want to take back control of your love life, contact Women’s Pelvic Surgery. Dr. Khashayar Shakiba is a board-certified uro/gynecologist who provides compassionate and comprehensive care. Call 201-301-2772 to make an appointment.
Read on to learn about five possible causes of painful intercourse:
Women typically take longer than men to get aroused, which can be frustrating for both parties. If you and your partner try to have intercourse before you are fully aroused, it may be uncomfortable or even painful. It is natural for your body to produce less lubrication as you age, though, so if you think lubricant and not arousal is the problem, ask your doctor about safe alternatives to supplement your body’s own moisture.
Stress can have all kinds of effects on the body, and painful intercourse is one of them. If you are not in a relaxed emotional state when intercourse begins, your muscles will be tense, which can cause pain and discomfort.
If you are suffering from a vaginal infection, you might experience painful intercourse in addition to other symptoms. According to WebMD, these include a burning sensation when you urinate, itchiness around your vagina, swelling and soreness in the vaginal area, and changes in vaginal discharge.
PID causes the inflammation of tissues inside the pelvis. This can result in discomfort during deep penetration, and the pain may feel more pronounced in certain positions.
As women age, the lining of the vagina loses some of its moisture, which can cause discomfort during penetration. Although you can simply counteract this side effect of menopause by using synthetic lubrication during intercourse, you can also try treating the problem at the source.
Vaginal dryness occurs when your estrogen levels decrease. As a result, many women have success treating it with topical estrogen therapy. If you want to take this approach, you can choose from vaginal estrogen rings, tablets, or creams.
If you suffer from painful intercourse and you want to identify the root of the problem, contact Women’s Pelvic Surgery. Dr. Shakiba will address all of your concerns. Call 201-301-2772 to make an appointment today.
