There are many reasons for pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse; which can be physical in nature or they could also be psychological. The United States National Library of Medicine lists a number of possible causes for painful intercourse –
Certain infections such as herpes, genital warts, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections or conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts or hemorrhoids could all result in pain in vagina.- A birth control device such as diaphragm may sometimes be the culprit.
- Lack of vaginal lubrication due to menopause, certain medications or other reasons could cause painful sex.
- Female hygiene products, chemicals found in detergents or cosmetics could also create irritation in the genital area producing pain.
However these are just the physical reasons that may cause painful intercourse; there are other psychological reasons such as sexual abuse during childhood or later years, that could cause a deep seated fear of sex and create an association between sex and pain that could be the reason.
Also it could be that some women are brought up to think of sex as being painful and a chore rather than a pleasure to be enjoyed which could also contribute to the problem.
If sex is painful for a woman and if having intercourse is something that she actually dreads, it is important to find out what the underlying reason for this is.
The reason for pain during intercourse can be found by looking at several factors – are there other symptoms that accompany painful sex? Has sex always been painful; or has it become painful now or with this partner? Are there any other illnesses or conditions present or any medication that could be the reason for the pain during sex?
Additionally a woman’s history in terms of her past experiences, her attitude to sex, can also indicate that the underlying problem is. If there are unresolved feelings of guilt or resentment they may need to be worked through to find a solution to the problem of painful intercourse.
Increasing Vaginal Lubrication
Since vaginal dryness is one of the chief causes of painful sex, increasing vaginal lubrication is the solution. Lowering stress, practicing relaxation techniques, having a warm bath and so on can help get in the mood.
Also longer foreplay, use of toys or other methods of stimulation can also help increase vaginal lubrication. Use a vaginal lubricant and also remember to avoid caffeine, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Medications
Sexually transmitted or other infections need antibiotics, pain relievers and so on to resolve or to manage. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms such as lesions, other discharge, abdominal pain etc are also present; after proper diagnosis appropriate treatment for not just the pain during intercourse but also the underlying condition can be initiated.
Practicing safe sex and proper genital hygiene are also good measures to undertake.
Counseling
Unresolved issues which may be far in the past, could be the reasons for painful intercourse now, and a woman may well find that going into therapy to resolve these issues will help her in many ways other than just the painful sex.
