In addition to problems with orgasm, pain is one of the most common complaints that women experience during sexual intercourse. But why does it hurt in the first place and when should you see a doctor? We explain the 5 causes of pain during sex.
Pain during sex is known as dyspareunia. The symptoms rarely occur in men, but 10 to 20 percent of women are affected. That it can sometimes hurt during sexual intercourse is sometimes normal and does not always have to be a cause for concern. For example, stress and other reasons can ensure that the vagina is too dry or the muscles in the pelvis are tense – which in turn makes sex uncomfortable.
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Pain during sex: There are 5 causes
Both physical and psychological causes can lead to pain and other discomfort during sexual intercourse. The gynecologist can usually determine organic causes by means of a physical examination. Some of the causes that can trigger pain during sex include:
- Hormonal changes
A natural cause for the symptoms are hormonal changes. These can be triggered, among other things, by taking the birth control pill or by the onset of menopause. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause some discomfort. These include a loss of libido, depressive moods, reduced blood flow to the vagina and clitoris and less moisture in the vagina. These are all factors that can cause uncomfortable sensations during sex. Even after pregnancy and while breastfeeding, the body is subject to hormonal changes, which can cause dryness in the vagina , for examplecan be responsible. But even after the birth injuries have healed, the intimate area can still be sensitive. - Endometriosis
Endometriosis can also cause pain during sex. It is one of the most common abdominal diseases in women. Since the lining of the uterus settles outside the uterus in endometriosis, severe pain can occur, depending on the menstrual cycle. The so-called endometriosis foci can trigger the pain during or after sexual intercourse, which is why they are among the typical endometriosis symptoms.You can recognize endometriosis by these symptoms >> - Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic pain in the intimate area that has no identifiable physical cause. In most cases, the pain occurs throughout the vagina and rarely affects specific areas. In turn, vulvodynia itself can be caused by heredity, weak pelvic floor muscles, difficult vaginal births, nerve damage in the pelvic area, disturbances in pain perception or vaginal skin diseases. - Inflammation and infections
Infections such as fungal infections can lead to redness, swelling, itching, burning in the genital area – and also to pain during sex. The same applies to inflammation of the vagina, labia, fallopian tubes or ovaries. In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that sexual intercourse is not possible at all. Other abdominal diseases such as a bladder infection, a urinary tract infection or hemorrhoids can also cause pain during sexual intercourse. - Mental problems and disorders
If the pain during sexual intercourse has no physical causes, there are often psychological triggers as well. This can be, for example, negative sexual experiences such as sexual abuse. Dissatisfaction and problems within the partnership can also lead to the woman becoming tense and sexual intercourse becoming painful. In this case, open communication is important. If you suspect that the pain during sex has psychological reasons, psychotherapy can often help.
If pain persists, consult a doctor
If the pain persists or becomes a burden in your everyday life, it is advisable to see a doctor. In most cases, there is no serious medical condition behind pain during sex. However, in order to be able to rule out rare, serious causes such as cancer, you should always have it checked out by a doctor as soon as you notice any abnormalities in the genital area.
