Your physician will be able to tell you if you need medical attention, can just take some over-the-counter medicine, or if you only need to change something about your lifestyle in general. Here are 7 possible causes of painful sex.
7. PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is one possible cause of painful sex. Besides pain during sex, this disease also includes a number of additional symptoms which can be present: chills, back pain, abdominal pain, a fever, vaginal discharge, and a rapid pulse. This disease can be treated with antibiotics. Surgery might be necessary in severe cases of PID. It’s important to get this disease diagnosed as soon as possible so as to eliminate the chance of any damage occurring to your reproductive system. PID can be transmitted sexually.
6. Vulvodynia
Experiencing a stinging and/or burning sensation during sex might possibly be due to this chronic condition of the vulva and vagina. Physicians still aren’t certain as to what causes vulvodynia, but they think it could be due to nerve damage, an elevated amount of oxalate crystals found in the urine, or an allergic response to something in the environment. This is a difficult condition to diagnose.
5. Vaginismus
This is the name of a condition where the vaginal muscles spasm so intensely that it makes it virtually impossible to have intercourse without pain. While this condition is the most severe cause of muscle spasms inside the vagina, stress can also cause these same muscles to tense up and make sex a painful experience. This is a very worrisome possible cause of painful sex.
4. Vaginal dryness
The vaginal walls are usually lubricated on their own naturally during sex. The sex can be very painful when the walls lack any type of moisture. Lubricants are sold specifically for intercourse and can be applied topically before intercourse. Certain brands of condoms come pre-lubricated as well.
3. An allergic reaction
Allergies present another possible cause of painful sex. Some women are very sensitive to spermicidal jellies, the material some condoms are made from, or contraceptive foams. There is even a strong possibility that the allergy is to something that isn’t related to sexual intercourse, such as deodorant soap, a scented tampon, or a particular brand of laundry detergent. Go over all possible causes before you scare yourself into thinking your pain during sex is caused by something critical. It could be all you need to do is switch brands of soap.
2. Genital herpes
Open sores are often present when genital herpes are in full force. The pain felt during sex is due to these sores that appear during an outbreak. Since they aren’t present all the time, it might be a while before you are even aware you have genital herpes. Additional symptoms include a fever and swollen glands. Unfortunately genital herpes never goes away, but it will go into dormancy and make it less possible for your partner to get genital herpes as well.
1. Yeast infection
The inside of the vagina is very sensitive when there is an infection present. The most common pain experienced includes burning or stinging. Along with these symptoms, there is usually itching and a slight discharge present. You’ll need to go to your doctor to find out if it is a yeast infection for sure before you purchase over-the-counter medicine to get rid of it.
Any of these 7 possible causes of painful sex can make you think the worst about your situation. It’s hard to have an open mind when pain is being experienced. Do you know of any other issues that might cause pain during sex?