Sexuality involves both physical and emotional intimacy. A healthy sex life can positively affect all aspects of your life. It can improve your physical health, how you feel about yourself, how you work and play, and your dealing with family and friends. Certain things can negatively affect your sexuality. Having a satisfying sex life is a challenge in all relationships. The most common problem for women is dyspareunia, or painful intercourse. When sex becomes painful, it can cause problems in a sexual relationship, as well as having a negative emotional effect.
The most common cause of painful intercourse is an insufficient amount of vaginal lubrication. Of all the possible causes, it is also the easiest to resolve. It is common to have fears and concerns about sex and intimacy when you are in pain. The woman needs to focus on relaxing while her partner focuses on more foreplay, and take your time. If that doesn’t work, then you can move on to lubricant. Make sure it is water based. If the lack of vaginal lubrication is due to hormones or menopause, then you can try a water based lubricant. If that doesn’t help, then you will need to talk to your physician about using a prescription estrogen cream of hormone replacement therapy.
Another very common condition that can cause painful intercourse is vaginal infections, like a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Both infections can irritate the vaginal walls and also cause inflammation inside the vagina. Once the vaginal walls become inflamed, the friction from intercourse can be extremely painful. You can use an over the counter treatment for a yeast infection, but you will need to get prescription antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
Many sexually transmitted diseases can be painful. Syphilis, Genital Herpes and Genital Warts can all cause sores in the vaginal area. These sores are extremely painful just to touch. If you have an STD or suspect that you have been exposed to an STD, you need to get tested immediately.
After giving birth, you should not have intercourse for at least 6 weeks. Your body needs time to heal. During delivery, you can experience an injury to the vulva or the vagina. If your doctor performed an episiotomy prior to delivery, it will require stitches, and having sex too soon may require you to need additional stitches.
Some women experience spasms of the vaginal muscles, called vaginismus. This is usually caused by a fear of being hurt. This is most common in women that have been sexually abused or raped. Her partner can try gentleness and patience, but more than likely you will need some sexual therapy. When looking for a counselor, make sure they are a certified sexual counselor.
You should seek immediate attention if intercourse suddenly becomes painful when it hasn’t been before, or if you suspect an STD or any other infection. You should also let your partner know immediately if you have an unusual reaction to sexual intercourse. An unusual reaction would be a headache, chest pain or pain throughout the body. If you experience painful intercourse, talk to your partner.
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