Many women all over the world experience discomfort or pain during sex. It is important to understand that there are a lot of factors that can make you experience unpleasant sensations during sex. To get rid of this condition, you need to define the underlying cause of your pain. Here is a list of eight health issues that can make sex painful and uncomfortable.
1. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs when estrogen levels decrease and your body doesn’t release enough natural lubricant. As a result, you can get microcracks and bleeding during sex. You can use additional lubrication to make sex less painful. But is better to consult the top gynecologist about the available treatment options.
2. Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis often experience severe pain during periods and intercourse. It occurs because the endometrial tissue that grows in the uterus spreads outside the uterus and covers the pelvic organs. As a result, frictions and cramps during periods can cause pain. You should also know that endometriosis can cause infertility. That’s why it is better to treat it as soon as possible.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. Some women with fibroids can have no symptoms, while others may experience pain during sex, light bleeding, bloating, and lower back pain. Even though fibroids are benign, it is better to treat them especially if you have some disturbing symptoms.
4. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the bacteria that inhabit your vagina start to overgrow and cause itching, abnormal discharge, and discomfort during sex. Due to the fact that yeast infection can have similar symptoms, it is quite easy to confuse these two conditions. That’s why it is better to visit a gynecologist to define the exact cause of your condition.
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause a lot of symptoms like pain during sex, abnormal discharge, unpleasant vaginal odor, etc. But you should know that STIs can develop asymptomatically as well. That’s why it is better to get tested for STIs regularly. In the case of the aforementioned symptoms, you need to undergo precise treatment to avoid further complications.
6. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that occurs when the vaginal infection becomes advanced and affects pelvis organs. In most cases, PID is caused by untreated bacterial vaginosis or STIs. Women with PID can experience severe pelvic pain, fever, abnormal discharge, and pain during sex. Without proper treatment, PID can cause fertility issues and chronic pelvic pain.
7. Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman experiences severe pain and spasms that interfere with penetration and frictions. Additionally, women with vaginismus can find it difficult to undergo a pelvic exam and even use tampons. There is no certain treatment plan for every woman with vaginismus but Kegel exercises and psychotherapy can be quite helpful.
8. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that grow on ovaries. They usually are asymptomatic and tend to disappear without any treatment. But some women can have cysts that cause severe pain, especially during sex and periods. You should also know that ovarian cysts can burst. With ovarian cyst rupture, you need to visit an emergency room since this condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
The bottom line
In addition to the aforementioned factors, there are other conditions and reasons for pain during sex. It is essential to pay attention to your health and don’t neglect gynecological check-ups especially if you have some disturbing symptoms. Even mild discomfort during sex can manifest a serious health issue that should be treated.
