After an evening of flirtation with your partner, moving to the bedroom can quickly cause dread to wash over you if you suffer from dyspareunia, which is the clinical term for pain during sex. If you’ve ever wondered “Why does it hurt when I have sex?” you’ll be relieved to learn that dyspareunia treatment is available to help you get the joy, comfort, and confidence back in your sex life.
Pain during sex doesn’t just affect you in the bedroom; it can also seep into other areas of your life, including your relationship and your self-esteem. But painful sex treatment is available. Below, we discuss what causes pain during sex and we present dyspareunia treatment solutions to brighten your day — and your life.
What Causes Pain During Intercourse?
If you’ve reached your wit’s end and you can’t get the “Why does it hurt when I have sex?” question out of your mind, you’re not the only one. According to BJOG, An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, nearly one in 10 women experiences pain during sex.
There are several causes of pain during intercourse that range from easily fixable to requiring a more involved dyspareunia treatment. For instance, lack of sufficient lubrication can create discomfort and pain during sex.
However, the #1 cause, especially in older women and often in women with certain medical conditions, is atrophy, or a lack of estrogen.
If that’s not the issue, there can be other culprits. So, what causes pain during sex?
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Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections, like yeast infections, are common occurrences for women. Following treatment for the infection, sex becomes pain-free.
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Issues with Your Cervix or Uterus
Deep penetration that reaches the cervix can cause pain. In addition, uterus problems, like fibroids, can cause pain at maximum penetration.
This is a medical condition that causes abnormal growth of your uterine lining.
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Vulvodynia
This is a chronic pain condition that may affect the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. It can be a localized pain, or it can spread throughout the vulva.
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Vaginismus
This refers to involuntary spasmic responses in the vaginal muscles, which are often associated with concern of being injured.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
When PID is present, inflammation affects your inner tissues, which consequently leads to pain during penetration.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases, like herpes, can result in sores that become inflamed and cause a pain response upon touch. Gonorrhea is another example that includes symptoms like burning during urination and pelvic pain.
Additional answers to your question of “Why does it hurt when I have sex?” can include having sex too soon following childbirth or vaginal dryness associated with menopause.
Is There Treatment for Painful Sex?
Yes, treatment for painful sex is available, depending on your condition. Above we discussed what causes pain during sex, and it’s not an exhaustive list. There could be emotional issues associated with the pain you experience, so it’s important to consider a holistic approach to your painful sex treatment.
Increase Foreplay and Lubrication
Lubrication is an important factor when it comes to pleasurable sex. A woman’s biological response to arousal is increased blood flow to the genitals. This causes swelling in the vulva and an increase in natural lubrication. If sex is initiated too quickly, the process of natural lubrication can be stunted, which results in discomfort.
If this is the case, talk to your partner about increasing foreplay, so your body has enough time to create the optimal response to arousal and increase your comfort and pleasure during sex. If, despite arousal, you do not become sufficiently lubricated on your own, incorporate a sexual lubricant to ease penetration and enjoy a more satisfying sexual experience.
Wait It Out With Patience
If you are recovering from a vaginal infection or pregnancy, your body may just need a couple of days to a couple of weeks before you can enjoy pain-free sex. Giving your body the time it needs to fully recover ensures you can enjoy sex without further aggravating the existing discomfort.
Connect With a Sex Therapist
If the pain you experience during sex is not associated with a physical condition, you may benefit from working with a sex therapist. Sometimes, due to ingrained beliefs or even trauma, women can experience pain during intercourse. As seen with vaginismus, your vaginal muscles may contract involuntarily, causing you pain. Emotional healing can assist in creating a positive sex life you enjoy and cherish.
Laser Treatment for Vaginal Rejuvenation
Laser treatment is a minimally invasive treatment option that can be completed within just a few minutes and does not have any side effects. The laser acts on the tissue of your vaginal mucosa, consequently assisting in the production of collagen. This process improves the general function of your vagina, which restores the balance you need for both rehydration and improved sexual gratification.
Painful sex treatment requires your care and attention. While some women still experience the stigma associated with this condition, it’s important you reach out to medical professionals, like our team at MonaLisa Touch®, who can help you feel understood and instill hope back into your life. We want you to know that treatment for painful sex is possible, effective, and comes with many lasting benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Benefits associated with MonaLisa Touch® range from the most practical, which includes the reduction of discomfort during sex to an overall enhanced quality of life.
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Improved Vaginal Lubrication
Vaginal lubrication is the first step toward an enjoyable sexual experience. With laser vaginal rejuvenation, the collagen enclosed within your vaginal walls is stimulated, resulting in rehydration that promotes a more pleasant experience during sex.
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Reduced Urinary Incontinence
Following natural childbirth or with age, women may experience urinary incontinence. Laser vaginal rejuvenation helps to reduce this issue, which improves day-to-day activities, especially when you engage in physical exercise.
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Heightened Self-Confidence
Patients report experiencing a massive shift in the way they view themselves and how they interact with their partners following treatment. The dark cloud of dread is removed when you gain better functionality and are able to experience sex in a comfortable and enjoyable manner.
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Functional Tissue Restoration
Stimulation of the mucosa is what helps your body regenerate and rejuvenate. This results in better natural lubrication, reduction of any burning sensation, and the reduction of pain you experience when engaged with your partner during intercourse.
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Increased Sexual Pleasure
Following treatment, you are recommended rest and recovery for three to four days before resuming with sexual activity. Because the treatment reduces laxity, dryness, burning, and itching sensations, those intimate moments with your partner become more pleasurable and something you can look forward to.
Overall, laser vaginal rejuvenation is an empowering procedure that not only instills hope back into your life, but that also fills you with confidence. And it can all be done within just a few minutes.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the different options available to you, which will you try first? Comment below to let us know!
Our medical team at MonaLisa Touch® understands your plight and we have clinics all over the world. Simply email us at monalisatouch@monalisatouch.com with the name of your city and we’ll respond right away. We look forward to assisting you in your process toward a pleasurable and fulfilling sex life.
