PAINFUL SEX FOR WOMEN
Experiencing some pain or discomfort during sex is fairly common. However is you experience significant pain during and after intercourse it could indicate other problems
WHAT COULD CAUSE PAIN DURING SEX
If you regularly find sex painful, you should visit your doctor to check there are no underlying causes. Painful sex falls into two categories: deep pain and superficial pain.
CAUSES OF DEEP PAIN DURING SEX
Deep pain is when you feel pain deep inside you and/or in the pelvis over the pubic area. This particularly happens with deep penetration. Common causes of deep pain include:
endometriosis – a condition where cells that line the uterus (womb) grow in other parts of the body especially the pelvic region.
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a condition where the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may become inflamed
fibroids – growths in the womb
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
constipation or irritable bowel syndrome
having a partner with a large penis
having a dry vagina.
CAUSES OF SUPERFICIAL PAIN DURING SEX
Superficial pain is when you feel pain before the penis has fully entered into your vagina. For example, at the entrance of your vagina rather than deep inside. Common causes of superficial pain include:
a skin condition like eczema
thrush
injury to part of your vagina
a foreign body being inside the vagina
having a dry vagina often during menopause or after childbirth
STI’s such as genital herpes.
YOUR NEXT STEP
If you regularly find sex painful, you should visit your doctor to check there are no underlying causes. If you are concerned about any gynaecological problem that may require further investigation take action.
Dr Alexander can offer advice on a possible diagnosis, further investigations and suitable treatment.
First, we would advise that you see your general practitioner and possibly obtain a referral to see Dr Alexander at http://www.my-obgyn.com.au/