Painful sex is not something that everyone hears regularly. However, evidence shows that there could be several reasons behind painful sex. Keep reading if you want to find out the 5 reasons why you are experiencing painful sex.
- Your skin may be too sensitive or inflamed
Penetrative sex is when the skin of another person causes friction with your own. This is normally not painful as long as both parties are properly lubricated.
However, if you have vulvar dermatitis, your skin around the vagina may be so sensitive that penetrative sex becomes painful.
Vulvar dermatitis also usually causes the skin around your vagina to be easily irritated or inflamed, and this could cause penetrative sex even more painful.
Besides, vaginismus may cause your vaginal muscles to be shut tightly, resulting in a painful intercourse.
Other reasons triggering skin sensitivity are genital irritation and allergies. Adverse reaction to latex, according to a publication on the National Hospital Services website, could force your skin to cringe during intimacy.
People who have eczema around the vaginal skin are more likely to suffer from vulvar dermatitis.
Also, external irritants like soap with heavy chemicals, rough toilet paper or clothing, as well as creams and powders can all cause vulvar dermatitis.
If you are struggling with this condition for a long time, and especially when sex becomes troublesome, you need to talk to your doctor. Some medicine may be prescribed to lessen the symptoms.
- A lack of arousal
Sex should not be painful. Any notion that goes against that is practically wrong. Sex should be easy and satisfying.
And in order to have such an experience, your vagina should be well-lubricated. If your vagina is dry, painful sex is almost a given. And this is not something that you should endure.
You should really get to the bottom of it to change your experience with sex. A dry vagina usually happens when a woman is lacking arousal. Maybe your partner is just too quick to jump into the main act.
Women usually take longer than men to get adequately sexually aroused and wet. So, what you need to do instead is tell your partner to slow down and enjoy the moment. There is no button to just switch you on.
You need to be seduced and caressed during foreplay, and get passionate kissing and explore each other body before getting to the main act.
- Menopause causes a lack of libido
If you are already in your menopausal period, you could indeed be dealing with a lack of libido. This is all due to hormonal changes. As such, your sex hormones may be reduced and this means your libido is also hit hard.
Of course, without a high level of libido (or sex drive) your body’s natural lubrication may be low. The female sex hormone, estrogen is responsible for lubrication.
But as menopause sets in, its secretion dwindles. Without this hormone, vaginal wetness fails, resulting in painful penetration and intercourse.
According to a Mayo Clinic publication, the withering of the vaginal lining and onset of lichen sclerosis due to menopause, coupled with poor lubrication could prevent arousal.
When this happens, your vagina stays dry even after a long time of foreplay. This then makes penetrative sex quite painful.
If this is the case with you, you need to consult your doctor. Your doctor will run some checks on you and then prescribe medication or supplements that can help balance the hormones inside.
Other than addressing this hormonal issue, you can also use lube to help ease things around down there. Try to choose a lube that is water-based for greater comfort.
- You have an STI
On a more serious note, painful sex can also be the result of a sexually transmitted infection. Some common sexually transmitted infections that could cause painful sex are chlamydia and gonorrhea.
These infections can be passed around through sexual contact and can be quite dangerous if left untreated. You should immediately get a doctor’s assistance if you have a sexually transmitted infection that causes sex to be painful.
Other than this type of sexually transmitted infection, you could also be dealing with a urinary tract infection, which the latter is not an STI.
If you have UTI, over-the-counter medication can help get rid of it within days to weeks.
At any rate, infections are all unpleasant and could even be dangerous, so you should not be embarrassed to get the help of a medical professional to resolve your painful sex concerns. After all, sex should always be pleasant.
- You are suffering from chronic vulvar pain (vulvodynia)
Chronic vulvar pain is a type of syndrome that doesn’t have a clear cause. Or at least experts are still baffled by it. Chronic vulvar pain is also called vulvodynia and is depicted as chronic pain around the vulva.
The vulva is the skin outside of your vagina and when you have chronic vulvar pain, this area often feels painful.
The symptoms of this condition could be widespread. It may include a numbing sensation around the vulva. Penetration and inserting of tampon may trigger it.
According to the National Hospital Services website, vulvodynia could also involve distressing periods, and interstitial cystitis. It becomes worse when you sit down as any form of pressure induces the pain.
Common pains include a sensation of throbbing, burning, itching, stinging even, and a feeling of rawness to the skin. Due to limited understanding of the causes of chronic vulvar pain, this skin condition is considered a disorder.
If you suspect you may have this skin disorder, you need to immediately get yourself checked by your OBGYN.
Some tests will try to see and remove the possible causes of chronic vulvar pain and some other possible ailments. Nerve blockers and therapy are usually recommended after a test has been done.
To summarize, painful sex can be a significant issue for people who only want to experience the feelings of sex. Reflecting on these reasons can help you figure out your problem, and you can seek answers to your issue.
Why Is Sex Painful As You Age?
As women age, they may start to experience changes in their sexual health, including pain during intercourse. This can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience for many women, and can have a negative impact on their overall quality of life. While it is a common issue, many women may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it, leading to a lack of understanding about why this happens. In this paper, we will explore the reasons why sex can become painful as women age and the potential solutions for this problem.
One of the main reasons why sex can become painful as women age is due to hormonal changes. As women go through menopause, their estrogen levels decrease, which can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls. This can cause discomfort and pain during intercourse as well as an increase in urinary tract infections. The decrease in estrogen also affects the production of natural lubrication, making intercourse more difficult and uncomfortable.
Additionally, as women age, their pelvic floor muscles may weaken, leading to a condition called vaginal atrophy. This can cause pain during intercourse as well as other symptoms such as vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. Vaginal atrophy can also be caused by certain medications, such as those used for breast cancer or endometriosis, which can decrease estrogen levels in the body.
Another factor that can contribute to painful sex as women age is the decrease in blood flow to the pelvic area. As women age, blood vessels may become less elastic and less able to carry blood to the pelvic region. This can make it more difficult for the vagina to become lubricated and for the muscles to relax during intercourse, resulting in pain.
In addition to physical changes, psychological factors can also play a role in painful sex as women age. Many women may experience anxiety, stress, or depression related to their changing bodies and sexual health. This can cause them to feel less interested in sex, leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. These psychological factors can also contribute to difficulty in achieving arousal and orgasm, which can make sex more painful.
It is important for women to address the issue of painful sex as they age, as it can have a significant impact on their overall well-being and relationships. However, many women may be hesitant to seek help or discuss this issue with their healthcare provider due to embarrassment or shame. It is crucial for women to understand that this is a common problem and there are solutions available.
One potential solution for painful sex is the use of vaginal lubricants or moisturizers. These can help alleviate discomfort and improve lubrication during intercourse. It is important to choose a product specifically designed for vaginal use and to avoid using products with harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Another option is hormone therapy, which can help increase estrogen levels and improve vaginal health. This can be done through prescription medications or over-the-counter vaginal estrogen creams. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with a healthcare provider before starting.
Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can also help improve vaginal health and decrease pain during intercourse. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the pelvic organs, which can help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve blood flow to the area.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend using a vaginal dilator to help stretch and relax the vaginal muscles. This can be especially helpful for women experiencing vaginal atrophy. A healthcare provider can provide guidance on how to use a vaginal dilator safely and effectively.
In addition to these solutions, it is important for women to communicate openly with their partner about their sexual health and any discomfort they may be experiencing. This can help reduce anxiety and stress associated with painful sex and can also lead to finding alternative ways to achieve sexual pleasure that may be more comfortable.
In conclusion, sex can become painful for women as they age due to hormonal changes, pelvic floor muscle weakness, decreased blood flow, and psychological factors. It is important for women to understand that this is a common issue and there are solutions available. Seeking help from a healthcare provider and open communication with a partner can greatly improve sexual health and overall well-being. It is crucial for women to prioritize their sexual health and not let discomfort or embarrassment prevent them from seeking help.
