Dr.Sneha J
MBBS, MD (AIIMS), DNB (OBG), FIRM (REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE, RGUHS)
Dr.Sneha J
MBBS, MD (AIIMS), DNB (OBG), FIRM (REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE, RGUHS)
Sex is supposed to be a pleasurable experience. However, occasionally it may get painful and unpleasant. American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology(ACOG) estimates that 75% of women experience pain during sex at some aspect of their life. If it is temporary and subsides, it is unlikely to be of concern.
Some women avoid sex completely as it hurts. Some women may have had pleasant sex in the past and suddenly it could start hurting. The main cause of painful sex is vaginal dryness. Hormonal changes, especially in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women cause inadequate lubrication in vagina, leading to pain with intercourse. Younger women on longer duration of oral contraceptive pills or breastfeeding women experience vaginal dryness too. If the woman is inadequately stimulated sexually, there is insufficient lubrication, causing pain and burning sensation
The other most common causes of pain include.
Do not suffer in silence/ ignorance or guilt. Help is available for each of these conditions. You can have a healthy and happy sexual life again. Sex is not meant to be painful. It is important to consult a sexual medicine specialist who can make appropriate diagnosis and provide the necessary care.