Dyspareunia is the name given to pain caused during sexual intercourse. It is one of the most common sexual health problems, but many do not understand what causes it. It can deeply affect wellbeing, as, unsurprisingly, it causes people to avoid sexual intercourse. This can affect their long-term wellness, as well as that of their sexual partner.
The most common cause of dyspareunia is lack of sexual arousal. Unlike men, who can be ready for intercourse fairly quickly, women’s bodies are designed to take longer to be ready. When a woman becomes aroused, her vagina prepares for intercourse by lengthening and widening, and it also becomes lubricated with natural bodily fluids, ready for penetration. Attempting penetration before the vagina has reached this state can be a very painful experience.
If, despite reaching full sexual arousal, sex is still painful, it is a good idea to talk to your GP in order to ensure that there are no other underlying health conditions that could be causing the pain during intercourse.
Childbirth, for example, can lead to painful sex, at least for a while afterwards, as the area heals. Women who have had an episiotomy in particular may find that sex continues to be painful for some time after childbirth.
Menopause can also cause painful intercourse, as plummeting oestrogen levels cause the vaginal walls to thin and the body to produce less natural lubrication. There are creams and hormone treatments that can help reduce this unfortunate side effect.
Urinary tract infections such as cystitis or warts, thrush and vaginitis can also cause soreness during intercourse. They are all easily treated and, once correctly identified and treated, should disappear, leaving sex a pain-free experience once more.
Finally, some people can develop sensitivities to condoms. If you feel that this may be the case for you it is worth experimenting with different brands in order to find one that suits you better.
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