Have you heard of Dyspareunia? It is more common than you think. At some point in their lives, 3 out of 4 women will experience episodes of painful sex. Almost everyone finds it difficult to talk about with their friends, and maybe even their doctors. Whether you have experienced chronic dyspareunia and have gone from one doctor to another, or are simply uncomfortable talking about intercourse, it can be a difficult discussion to have.
Many women are afraid the answer will be that there are no options to help them feel better. Sex is not supposed to hurt unless you want it to. However, recurrent, undesired pain in the vulva, vagina, or pelvis is not normal. So many things can affect our sexual response to make sex uncomfortable. Mental health can be a significant contributor. Also somewhat unfair, some antidepressant medications, medications for birth control, blood pressure medications, allergy medications β all of which we use to take better care of ourselves β can potentially decrease natural lubrication and translate into painful sex.
If a male partner is having difficulty maintaining an erection, this can lead to longer, and at times painful intercourse. Dealing with chronic pain during sex can seem hopeless and frustrating, but the best thing to do i f you are concerned is to talk to a gynecologist , and all of us at Seven Oaks would love to start the conversation with you! Your email address will not be published. We are transitioning to a new Electronic Medical Record system!
There are many conditions, some more common during specific phases of life, that can lead to painful sex. One of the most important things to evaluate first is to rule out sexually transmitted diseases, a yeast infection, or other bacteria that can cause painful sex. This can be done during a pelvic exam in the office, and by vaginal or vulvar cultures. Hormonal changes. Estrogen begins to decline in the years prior to menopause, or perimenopause. Women who are breastfeeding and women who are on certain medications that decrease estrogen levels treating certain cancers may also experience painful sex as a result of low estrogen.
There are several options for replacing vaginal estrogen, including oral pills available now. Also, replacing other hormones, such as testosterone or prasterone, can be treatment options. Skin disorders. The vulva and vagina can develop a chronic reaction to something that is contacting the area, even if this is a product that has been used for several years, including latex condoms.
