Pain During Sexual Intercourse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Pain During Sexual Intercourse?

Pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is discomfort or painful sensations that occur during or after sexual activity. This condition can make intimate relationships difficult and lead to emotional and physical problems. The pain can be either short-term or chronic, and it has various causes related to health conditions or external factors.

Causes of Pain During Sexual Intercourse

• Infections. Various infections, such as vaginitis, urethritis, or sexually transmitted infections, can cause inflammation and painful sensations during sex.
• Vaginal Dryness. A lack of natural lubrication, which can occur due to hormonal changes, menopause, or medication, may cause friction and discomfort during sexual activity.
• Psychological Factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma can play a role in the onset of pain, creating tension and a heightened perception of pain during intercourse.
• Reproductive System Disorders. Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease can cause painful sensations during sex.
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Issues. Tension or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to discomfort and pain during intercourse.

Symptoms

• Pain During Intercourse. This is the primary symptom, which can range from mild to severe and may feel sharp, dull, or stabbing.
• Discomfort After Intercourse. Sometimes, pain occurs not only during but also after intercourse, often accompanied by a burning or aching sensation.
• Problems with Arousal. Pain can decrease sexual desire and may make it difficult to achieve or maintain arousal.

Treatment Methods

• Medication. Depending on the cause of the pain, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections, hormonal treatments to restore normal lubrication, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
• Use of Lubricants. In cases of insufficient lubrication, special moisturizing agents or lubricants may be recommended to reduce friction and alleviate pain.
• Psychotherapy. If psychological factors are the cause of the pain, consultations with a psychologist or sexologist may be helpful to address anxiety, stress, or trauma.
• Physiotherapy. Exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles may be beneficial if the pain is related to muscle problems in that area.
• Surgical Intervention. In rare cases, if the pain is caused by structural issues (e.g., fibroids or endometriosis), surgical treatment may be necessary.