Sexual pain is a very common but under-diagnosed problem for most of us, especially women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists estimates that approximately one in five women experiences painful sex at some point. Sex pain is still considered taboo, and sufferers suffer without speaking about it. It is the intention of this article to counteract the idea that sex should hurt, to give details on what is behind sexual pain and offer practical advice to anyone who suffers from it.
Understanding Sexual Pain:
Sexual pain (dyspareunia in women, erectile dysfunction pain in men) comes in different forms. It can take place during penetration, thrusting, or even in arousal and prey play. The ache can be from slight itchiness to severe pain, and can strike any individual regardless of age, gender, or sexuality.
Types of Sexual Pain
Vulvodynia: A pain disorder that causes burning, stinging or bruising in the external part of the genitals. The touch, the sex, or even tight clothes can evoke pain.
Vaginismus: This uncontrollable contracture of the pelvic floor muscles makes penetration painful or impractical. Most often psychological in nature, vaginismus results in enormous pain and resistance to sex.
Pain In The Penis: Penises may also hurt during sex due to disorders like Peyronie’s disease that makes the penis curvature or infections that can itch the tissues.
Endometriosis: A disease in which tissue similar to the lining develops outside of the uterus causing painful menstruation, sex and other issues.
Infections and STIs: UTIs, yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also lead to painful sex for men and women.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, like those of menopause, can make the vagina dry and uncomfortable in sex.
Common Causes of Sexual Pain
Viruses: Most viruses cause dyspareunia. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and sexually transmitted infections can inflame and itch the vagina, making sex painful. They need to be properly managed and treated to relieve the suffering and prevent it from reoccurring.
Changes in Hormones: The hormone state and balance play an important role in sexual wellness. Vaginal suffocation and wall thinning can give way to suffocating intercourse during menopause, pregnancy or lactation. Treatments may involve hormones and grease to neutralize these effects and make sex easier.
Vulvodynia: It is a chronic pain disorder, wherein the vulvar area feels unresponsive to any known reason. It comes in a wide variety: itchy, painful, so having sex can be uncomfortable and hurtful. Physical therapy, medication and psychotherapy might therefore be used to manage and mitigate the pain.
Endometriosis: It is a disease in which the tissue that mimics the lining of the inside of the uterus is present outside the uterus but most often reaches the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs of the pelvis. It can be accompanied by extreme pelvic discomfort during periods and sex. Treatment can include medication, hormones and surgery for symptomatic pain and life support.
Vaginismus: Vaginal spasm is a disorder characterized by contractions of the vaginal muscles. Sexual access can become horribly painful or even impossible. It may sometimes be a psychological phenomenon caused by anxiety or trauma; sometimes it might be physiological. Treatment has often included education, physical therapy and counselling to gain a sense of ease with intimacy.
Breaking the Stigma:
Sensationalism around sexual distress prevents most people from reaching out for help, creating a perception that sex should hurt. Our goal is to normalise sexual health and pain and to make sure that those who experience sexual pain get medical help and treatments. In recognising sexual pain as a common phenomenon, we will open up a kinder and more welcoming space for those affected.
Addressing Sexual Pain:
Sexual pain depends on the underlying reason. Sometimes, self-care and lifestyle interventions can help reduce symptoms. These may include:
Using Lubricants
And one of the most easily and effectively controlled ways to diminish sexual discomfort is over-the-counter lubricants. These items can greatly reduce friction and discomfort during sex. Fluid lubricants made from water are popular because they are easier to apply and don’t irritate. The silicone lubricants, however, last longer and may be better for extended use or for people whose water-based lubricants dry out too quickly. Pick a product that’s free of irritant chemicals and fragrances to avoid further irritation.
Employing Relaxation Techniques
Tension and spasms in muscles are both often a contributing factor in sexual distress. Relaxation techniques can ease these symptoms by being part of your routine. Breathing exercises can be an easy and powerful way to lower stress levels and relax the mind, making your sexual journey easier.
Exercises for the pelvic floor, including Kegels, can also be very helpful. These exercises contract the pelvic floor muscles, thus strengthening the muscles and relieving spasms. If you keep practicing, your sexual fit will remain superior over time.
Gradual Dilatation
For vaginal twitching caused by vaginismus, an illness in which the vaginal muscles become tense out of habit, gradual dilatation may be a useful intervention. Vaginal dilators, available in a wide variety of sizes, can help to slowly dilate the vaginal muscles, eliminating any pain and discomfort. This technique should be taken very slowly, and the dilator should gradually get larger as the patient becomes more comfortable.
If you consult a doctor or pelvic floor therapist prior to performing dilatation, you can ensure that the procedure is safe and effective.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Exercise Routine
Sex is linked to a holistic physical health. A healthy diet high in nutriments ensures hormonal stability and good vaginal health. Omega-3 fats, antioxidants and phytoestrogens are particularly beneficial foods.
Exercise boosts cardiovascular health, energy, hormone balance and body weight — all factors that can influence sexual comfort. Exercises that improve pelvic strength and flexibility (for example, yoga or Pilates) can also help to reduce sexual pain.
When self-care isn’t enough, doctors might need to intervene. Talking with a medical professional will identify the root of sexual pain and determine what treatment is best, which might include:
Drugs: Antibiotics, antifungals or hormone treatments are commonly used to prevent or manage infections or hormonal disturbances.
PFT Physical Therapy: A pelvic floor physical therapist can resolve muscle tension, spasms, and weakness.
Surgery: For severe cases of endometriosis or other structural dysfunction, surgical repair might be needed to manage sexual discomfort.
Conclusion: No, Sex Shouldn’t Hurt: What to Do if You’re Experiencing Sexual Pain
Sex should never hurt. Through an awareness of the sources of sexual distress, and the reduction of the stigma associated with this disorder, we can enable anyone suffering from sexual distress to seek support and treatment. You can overcome sexual pain and live a happy and painless sexual life with the appropriate medical treatment and care at home.
