Pain during sex, also called dyspareunia, is a condition that affects many women all over the world. In many cases, women can experience discomfort or pain during sex because of insufficient arousal and foreplay, an uncomfortable position for sex, or too deep penetration. However, there are cerian health issues that can make your sex painful. In this article, we have gathered seven alarming causes of pain during sex you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs when a woman has insufficient natural lubrication. In most cases, this condition affects menopausal women who have decreased levels of estrogen. But many young women with hormonal imbalance can also suffer from this vaginal dryness. You can use additional lubrication to make sex less painful but it better to contact your gynecologist and undergo proper treatment.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that develops when the inner uterine lining that is called the endometrium, starts to grow outside of the uterus. This endometrial tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, bladder, and even intestines. In addition to pain during sex, endometriosis can cause severe periods, spotting, and fertility issues. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis but you can undergo treatment that can help manage your symptoms.
3. Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition in which an uncontrolled muscle spasm prevents penetration into the vagina. Women with vaginismus experience severe pain during sex. Moreover, some of them can find it difficult to undergo a pelvic exam or even use tampons. The main problem is that there is no universal cure for this condition since it can develop because of various reasons. Nevertheless, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist to find the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
4. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that occur on the uterine walls. If they develop near the vagina or grow large and protrude through the cervix, they can cause pain and bleeding during sex. Additionally, fibroids can cause lower back pain, painful periods, and problems with fertility. If you experience pain during sex, you need to visit undergo a pelvic exam. Your gynecologist can remove uterine fibroids to ease your symptoms.
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are quite common issues for many people. In some people, these infections can develop asymptomatically for many years. But in others, STIs can cause severe symptoms like:
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain
- Pain and burning during urination
- Abnormal discharge with an unpleasant odor
If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, it is better to visit a doctor and undergo STD testing. If you are diagnosed with STDs, your partner or partners should also be treated if they are infected.
6. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition that occurs when the vaginal infection (certain STIs or bacterial vaginosis) weren’t treated in time. Symptoms of this condition include fever, severe pelvic pain, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell, and severe periods. You should also know that without timely and proper treatment, pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to infertility.
7. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that occur on the ovaries. In many women, ovarian cysts can develop asymptomatically while others may suffer from severe pain and discomfort. In many cases, the pain intensifies during periods, ovulation, and sexual intercourse. If you have ovarian cysts, it is better to monitor your condition and undergo treatment in the case of severe symptoms. The point is that ovarian cysts can appear and disappear on their own. However, they can also burst or lead to ovarian torsion.
