What causes pain during sex?

The article was consulted with MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Burning pain during sex often originates from causes related to the vagina, vulva, uterus or simply due to menopause. Pain during sex not only greatly affects the love life, but in the long run will lead to many dangerous consequences such as decreased sex drive, fractured love of the couple.

Pain during sex is a very common disease, often occurring in women when they feel pain during sex with their partner. Nearly 3 out of 4 women will experience some pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. For some women, such pain is only a temporary problem. However, many women feel very tired because the pain during sex occurs frequently and lasts long, greatly affecting their love life.

Pain during sex can be a sign of a gynecological condition, such as an ovarian cyst or endometriosis. Uterine pain during sex can also be caused by problems related to sex, such as lack of desire (not having sex yet) or lack of sexual arousal (actions commonly referred to as "sexual intercourse"). foreplay” before initiating sex).

Women when "in battle" may feel pain in the vulva, in the area around the vaginal opening or in the vagina. A common site of pain during sex is the perineum. In addition, the lower back, pelvic area, uterus or bladder may also be affected.
If you have severe and frequent pain during sex, you should see an obstetrician and gynecologist to diagnose the exact cause.

The following reasons are also likely to lead to burning pain during sex:
State of mind: Emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, embarrassment or awkwardness during sex can be makes it hard for you to relax. When you are uncomfortable, pleasure is very unlikely, causing pain during sex. And yet, stress and fatigue can affect your sex drive. Problems with your partner: Differing levels of sexual desire can make one party "passionate" too much, while you're not "satisfied". And this causes pain during sex. Medications to treat disease: Many drugs have side effects that reduce sex drive, such as some birth control pills, pain relievers can also reduce sex drive. Diseases and surgery: Certain medical conditions can indirectly cause problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and thyroid disorders. Some women believe that surgery affects their body image, which reduces sex drive and causes pain during sex. Not stopping there, sexual problems in your partner can also affect you. If he is on medication for erectile dysfunction, he can delay orgasm, leading to a longer duration of intercourse. The consequences make you tired, exhausted, then pain will definitely happen.

Pain during sex can be a warning sign of many gynecological conditions. If left untreated, some conditions have the potential to progress to other, more dangerous conditions:
Skin disorders: Some skin disorders lead to ulcers or cracks in the skin of the vulva. Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder that affects the vulva. This is a response of the body in response to an irritant, such as scented soaps, douches, or lubricants. As a result, women experience itching, burning, and pain. Chronic vulvar pain: Occurs when the pain is concentrated in the area around the vaginal opening. There are many treatments for vulvar pain, including non-pharmacological, pharmacological, or surgical measures. Hormonal changes: During perimenopause and menopause, a decrease in the female hormone estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and cause pain during sex. Hormone therapy is an option to rebalance hormones. Using a lubricant during sex or a vaginal moisturizer will also help. Vaginitis : Causes increased discharge, itching, burning in the vagina and vulva. Vaginitis can be treated with medication. Vaginal contraction: A reflex contraction (tightening) of the muscles at the vaginal opening. Vaginal spasms can lead to burning pain during sex. Vaginal spasms can be treated with different forms of therapy. Childbirth-related problems: Women who have had an episiotomy or perineal surgery during childbirth are at increased risk of painful sex, which can last up to several months. To fix it, doctors often prescribe physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Other causes: Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis are all diseases related to uterine pain during sex.

Medical history and sexual problems, along with clinical signs and physical examination results, are important factors in determining the exact cause of painful intercourse. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out the necessary tests to find the cause. In particular, a pelvic exam and ultrasound often help identify some of the causes of pain. For a more thorough evaluation, the doctor may ask the patient to do an endoscopy.

Some of the following measures will help you relieve pain during sex , although it may not be treated from the cause, it is completely possible to reduce symptoms to some extent:
Use lubricants: Lubricants Liquid form is an optimal choice if your vagina is dry or overly sensitive to irritation. Silicone-based lubricants will last longer and are often more slippery than water-soluble lubricants. However, care should be taken when using lubricants with condoms because they have the ability to dissolve latex and cause the condom to tear unintentionally. Make time for sex: Set aside some time for both you and your partner to feel comfortable and ready to flourish. Talk to your partner: Talk to your partner about pain during sex that you are experiencing. Where does it hurt, when does it hurt, and what can he do to make sex painless? Try painless sex: Change the mood or prioritize oral sex or masturbation if direct intercourse causes a lot of pain. Perform non-sexual movements: You can provide interesting, erotic sensations that are not related to sex, such as massage, caressing your partner. Pain relief before sex: Urinate to relax your bladder, take a warm bath, or take a pain reliever before intercourse. Relieve burning pain after intercourse: Applying ice to the vulva can relieve some pain. Pain during sex not only seriously affects love life but also a sign of many gynecological diseases. When you feel pain during sex, it is best for women to openly discuss with their doctor for the most appropriate examination and treatment.

Reference source: Acog.org