7 Common Causes of Pain During Sex That Every Woman Should Know About

Pain during sex is a familiar issue for many women. In many cases, it is caused by poor lubrication or an uncomfortable position. But you should know that persistent or recurrent pain during sex can be caused by a certain gynecological condition. All of these issues should be treated only by a gynecologist. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of pain during sex that every woman should know about.

1. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs when a woman has an insufficient amount of natural lubrication. This condition occurs because of decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal dryness can manifest through pain during sex and vaginal bleeding since a lack of lubrication leads to microcracks. To make sex less painful, you can use lubricants or undergo hormonal therapy to increase estrogen production.

2. Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections are quite common for many people. These infections can manifest through various symptoms. The most common of them include abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, vaginal itching and swelling, rashes, pain during sex, and a burning sensation during urination. If you have at least some of these symptoms, it is better to contact your gynecologist for examination as soon as possible.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an inflammation of the pelvic organs. It can occur when a vaginal infection (an STI or bacterial vaginosis) wasn't treated in time. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include pelvic pain, severe periods, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, and vaginal bleeding between periods. Without timely and proper treatment, information can lead to the development of scars and adhesions that can make a woman infertile.

4. Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which one or more pelvic organs slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. The most common causes of this condition include pregnancy, obesity, cancers of the female reproductive system, and hysterectomy. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are pelvic pressure, lower back pain, spotting, constipation, and pain during sex. Pelvic floor muscle training can help restore the pelvic floor and hold pelvic organs in their places.

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the inner layer of the uterus spreads on the pelvic organs. In some women, this condition can develop asymptomatically while in others, it can manifest through pelvic pain, lower back pain, heavy and painful periods, spotting, infertility, and pain during sex. Some symptoms of endometriosis can be managed with the help of medications and surgery but in general, endometriosis is incurable.

6. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman involuntarily squeezes the muscles of the vagina during penetration. As a result, sex, pelvic exam, and tampon insertion can be extremely painful or even impossible. Since vaginismus can be caused by psychological and physical problems, treatment options for this condition can combine psychotherapy with certain exercises.

7. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop on the uterine walls. This condition is extremely common but it often develops asymptomatically so many women don't know that they have fibroids. However, some women with uterine fibroids can experience pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, spotting, lower back pain, heavy periods, and pain during sex. In this case, it is recommended to undergo fibroid removal.

The bottom line

It is important to understand that many conditions can cause mild or unclear symptoms. Visiting a gynecologist on a regular basis can help avoid the development of severe complications due to timely treatment. However, you should also visit a gynecologist in the case of any unusual symptoms like pain during sex.