This archive report was first published on 27 April 2020.
When Sex Hurts: Causes of Post-Coital Pain ¶
Sex isn't always a pleasurable experience for everyone, especially those who suffer from intercourse pain, medically known as dyspareunia. It can be a huge thorn in a couple's sex life, affecting both men and women.
Published on April 27, 2020
Intercourse pain, or dyspareunia, is a common issue that affects many people. According to estimates, 25% of women have experienced dyspareunia at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be caused by both physical and psychological factors.
Causes of Intercourse Pain in Women ¶
- Vaginal dryness is a common cause of intercourse pain in women. This can be due to insufficient sexual arousal, certain medications, or decreasing estrogen hormone levels before and after menopause.
- Vaginal infections, such as yeast infections, can also cause pain during intercourse. The good news is that once treated, the pain goes away.
- Vaginismus is a distressing condition that causes the involuntary spasm or tightening of the muscles around the vagina. Women suffering from vaginismus dread penetrative sex.
- Injury or trauma, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or a tear during childbirth, can also cause intercourse pain.
- Conditions like endometriosis, where the uterine wall grows beyond the uterus, can also cause pelvic pain.
Causes of Intercourse Pain in Men ¶
- Even though intercourse pain mostly affects women, it can also be experienced by men. Any pain during sex is not normal and should be investigated.
- Peyronie's disease is a condition that manifests as an abnormal curvature of the penis and is often caused by injuries to the penis during sexual intercourse.
- Foreskin issues, such as phimosis, can also cause pain during intercourse.
- Prolonged erection or priapism can also cause pain during sex.
- Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea and herpes, can also cause pain during intercourse.
- Urinary tract infections can also cause pain during ejaculation and a foul-smelling discharge.
It's essential to seek medical attention if you're experiencing pain during sex. With proper treatment and therapy, many of these causes can be resolved, and a healthy sex life can be restored.
