Possible causes of pain during sexual intercourse in women. Women's problems: pain during sex

There are situations when sexual intercourse becomes painful for women. What are the reasons leading to this?

Pain during sexual intercourse - any representative of the fair sex can face a similar problem. The pain can be felt not only in the vagina, but also in the abdomen. Many women do not consult a doctor about this problem. Girls at the first sexual intercourse are convinced that pain in the lower abdomen is a normal condition at the beginning of sexual activity.

Older women believe that the cause of pain may be hidden in a change in sexual partner, that is, it is a matter of banal incompatibility. However, any deviations from the norm can be harbingers of various diseases. Therefore, if pain occurs during contact with a partner, regardless of its nature, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist and find out the cause.

There are several reasons that can cause pain during sexual intercourse:

• fear;
• diseases of the genital organs;
• diseases of the urinary system.

If a girl is a virgin, that is, she has not previously had sexual intercourse with a man, then pain occurs due to the fact that the integrity of the hymen is violated (defloration). It is worth noting that not all girls can feel these unpleasant sensations. If a girl’s hymen is thick and contains many nerve endings, then she will not be able to avoid pain. However, in most women, during sexual intercourse, the hymen does not rupture, but only stretches it, which eliminates the occurrence of unpleasant sensations.

In some cases, the reason for the pain that a girl feels during defloration lies in fear. When having sexual intercourse for the first time, it is recommended to protect yourself with condoms. The fact is that male microbes, entering a new environment for them (female genital organs), can provoke the development of inflammation in the vagina or bladder. These problems most often can be the consequences of a violation of the integrity of the hymen.

Also, the cause of pain during intimacy may be hidden in. This disease is a psychological problem. Pain in the lower abdomen can occur in several cases:

• the first sexual experience was unsuccessful (the woman felt severe pain, she was uncomfortable with the contact, etc.);
• sexual contact occurred against the woman’s will (rape).

Fear at a subconscious level affects the muscles, provoking their sharp contraction. Unpleasant sensations are caused not by the penetration of the penis itself, but by the compressed muscles. You can cope with this condition if a woman can independently reconsider her attitude towards sexual intercourse in general. A woman is advised to find a partner whom she can completely trust, which will help her completely relax. If a girl cannot cope with her fears on her own, she needs to consult a psychotherapist and sex therapist.

Another reason that can cause pain during sexual intercourse is disturbances in the secretion of lubrication. The problem may be hidden at a psychological level (unwanted intimacy, rejection of a partner, fear of an unplanned pregnancy) or in a hormonal disorder. There is no lubrication at all after removal of the gland responsible for its secretion (Bartholin's gland).

Pain can be reduced by using additional hydration. To do this, you can purchase artificial moisturizers at pharmacies or specialized stores.

If pain during sexual intercourse occurs due to hormonal disorders, the woman is prescribed special medications containing female sex hormones. After taking these medications, the pain may subside, however, they should be prescribed by a doctor, since incorrectly selected medications can worsen the general condition.

Genitourinary system

During intimacy, a woman may experience unpleasant pain. Very often, the uncomfortable position of partners or uncomfortable positions lead to the woman feeling pain that pierces the stomach, or more precisely, the lower abdomen. If changing your position brings relief from pain, then there is no need to worry.

Pain can also be caused by mechanical reasons, which include dry mucous membranes or tension in the vaginal walls. Mild pain may be felt during the period of ovulation, that is, approximately in the middle of the cycle.

Pain can affect the lower abdomen even if there have been previous surgical interventions. The issue can be resolved surgically, or by using additional lubricant. Partners are advised to choose the optimal position and pace. In most cases, pain can signal problems with the genitourinary system.

Minor pain during sexual intercourse and even bleeding after it signal diseases of the cervix.

If a girl feels pain from insertion of the penis, then this condition may warn of the development of an inflammatory or infectious process. Usually in such cases, painful sensations are accompanied by pain, which can be easily distinguished from the norm by color, consistency and specific smell. In addition, the woman begins to be bothered by itching on the labia majora and minora. To clarify the diagnosis, consultation with a specialist is necessary. Only after receiving the test results will the doctor draw up an accurate picture of the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment.

The abdomen may hurt if a woman has an adhesive process, which can develop due to previous inflammation. If a woman has previously suffered from hypothermia, accompanied by aching pain, or she regularly experiences delays, intestinal upset, or she suffered from intestinal diseases in childhood, then there is a high probability that there are adhesions in the organs located in the pelvis.

The adhesive process is observed in most women, but for some it does not cause any particular problems, while others may feel pain in the lower abdomen, which manifests itself in intimate life. If your stomach starts to hurt during sexual intercourse, then changing your position can help you cope with it.

If the pain does not go away and bothers you not only during sexual intercourse, then it is recommended to consult a specialist, since treatment of the inflammatory process is necessary.

If pain during intercourse is felt in the lower back, then the woman may have inflamed appendages. If the stomach hurts not only during, but also after sexual intercourse, and there is blood discharge from the vagina, then this indicates endometriosis.

Sometimes pain occurs due to ovarian diseases, which include:

• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• cyst;
• neoplasms.

Pain during intercourse does not always indicate problems with a woman’s reproductive organs. Very often, the lower abdomen may hurt after sexual intercourse due to infectious diseases of the urinary system.

If sexual intercourse causes severe cutting pain in the lower abdomen, this may indicate:

• cyst rupture;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• formation of myomatous node;
• bending of the pedicle of an ovarian tumor, etc.

If such pain occurs, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary. If acute pain pierces the abdomen and does not go away, surgical intervention may be required.

If pain in the lower abdomen constantly appears during sexual intercourse with a partner and is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms (bleeding, itching, discharge, etc.), do not expect that it will go away on its own, but seek help from a specialist as soon as possible. A gynecologist will conduct an examination, prescribe tests and, based on the results of the studies, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Our entire body is created in such a way as to bring us joy and pleasure. Sexual relations between spouses are no exception. This is an opportunity to express all your tenderness and love to each other. But what if a woman experiences constant pain during intercourse? If this issue is not given serious attention, then these unpleasant sensations can develop into a reflex and, thus, create problems in the relationship between spouses.

If you do not pay attention to your health in time and continue to be embarrassed to talk to a doctor about the pain that arises during intimate intercourse, then gradually the brain will begin to perceive such relationships as a command for pain. The result will be a vicious circle. When the cause is finally identified and, if possible, removed, the woman will habitually experience pain instead of pleasure. So, for what reasons can intimacy cause pain in a woman?

Defloration

Defloration is otherwise known as deflowering. The girl is very worried and afraid of her first intimate relationship. This causes spasms in the muscles of the body, especially the vagina. Which actually causes pain.

The hymen itself is thin and elastic. It is designed in such a way that during the first sexual intercourse it smoothly stretches and is not the real cause of pain or bleeding. In very rare cases, the hymen is dense and has many nerve endings. When a girl is tense and experiences strong excitement and even fear before her first sexual intercourse, her muscles tense, painful sensations appear, and bleeding may even occur.

Vaginismus

This is a little-known but very common disease. What is it connected with? If a woman has experienced sexual violence to one degree or another or she was brought up in such a way that any sexual relationship is a great evil, then during sexual contact a spasm of the muscles of her vagina may reflexively occur, which will lead to severe painful sensations.

Pain during penetration is not due to the object, but due to severe emotional stress. This often happens at an appointment with a gynecologist: due to tension, the muscles of the genital tract become very tense, and as a result, it is either very difficult or completely impossible to insert a speculum.

In both situations, the cause of pain is precisely the spasm caused by the woman’s strong emotional stress and fear. To cope with this disease, you need to seek help from a sex therapist and psychologist as soon as possible. If the disease is not neglected, then treatment will give fairly quick and good results.

Inflammatory processes

If during sexual intercourse or not only a woman experiences sensations such as burning, itching or pain (even if after a long pause), then you should immediately contact your gynecologist. These are signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the woman’s genital organs. Moreover, both spouses need to see a doctor. The gynecologist will prescribe the necessary examination, during which he will be able to determine the cause of such unpleasant sensations and prescribe treatment.
While treatment is being carried out, it is better for spouses to abstain from sexual relations or use a condom. In addition, the presence of inflammatory processes does not always mean that the spouse is cheating.

Often, itching and burning can be the result of the penetration of one's own microflora into an unnatural environment for it (for example, E. coli, fungi or staphylococci, etc.). They are completely safe in their own habitat. But if for some reason this microflora finds itself in a new environment, it begins to multiply vigorously and cause a lot of inconvenience. If treatment is not started in time, such processes can lead to serious complications, including cervical cancer.

Adhesive processes

If during intimate relationships a woman experiences pain in the lower abdomen, this indicates the presence of adhesions in the pelvic organs. If you have previously suffered various inflammatory processes, then the risk of adhesions in these organs is very high. The presence of periodic pain in a woman may also indicate their presence.

Medical studies have shown that almost the vast majority of women in the pelvic organs may have adhesions of varying degrees of severity. However, for most women these adhesions do not even make themselves felt. However, during sexual intercourse in some positions they may manifest themselves in the form of severe pain in the lower abdomen. This cannot be ignored.

It is imperative to visit a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. Very often it is physiotherapeutic procedures that are most effective. But in complex cases, surgical intervention is required. In addition, sexual intercourse during the first year after childbirth can also cause pain in the lower abdomen. This is due to the presence of postpartum injuries, ruptures and sutures.

Endometriosis

If during sexual intercourse a woman very often experiences pain in the lower abdomen, spotting occurs, and during menstruation the woman experiences severe pain, then this may be endometriosis. With this disease, the mucous membrane of the uterus grows outside of it and on various organs. If this disease is not treated, sexual relations will become completely impossible due to constant severe pain, and this benign tumor can degenerate into malignant.

Venous blood stasis

If a woman experiences aching pain during sexual intercourse in the lower abdomen, radiating to the spine, during menstruation and during intimate relationships, then this is a sign of venous stagnation of blood in the pelvic area. This disease can be caused by various factors: previous inflammatory processes, birth injuries, constant lack of orgasm during sexual intercourse, a sedentary lifestyle or heavy physical activity. All this leads to weakening of the pelvic muscles and varicose veins.

If this disease is left unattended, the pain will gradually intensify, and subsequently diseases such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, mastopathy, etc. may develop. To prevent this disease, you need to contact your gynecologist as quickly as possible. He can prescribe various physiotherapeutic procedures and recommend special exercises that strengthen the muscles and veins in the pelvic area.

• Neuralgia of the pelvic nerves

This disease manifests itself as severe, sharp pain in the lower abdomen, which becomes even stronger during sexual intercourse and radiates to the leg. It is extremely rare and has not yet been studied enough. More often we encounter neuralgia of the facial and intercostal nerves. But this phenomenon does occur, so medical intervention is mandatory.

With advanced neuralgia of the pelvic nerves, a woman experiences constant and very severe pain even at rest. Therefore, it is better not to bring yourself to such agony, but to consult a doctor. As a rule, various physiotherapeutic procedures, warming, etc. are prescribed.

• Insufficient lubrication

In order for an intimate relationship to bring pleasure to a woman, her body must secrete a sufficient amount of lubricant. If this does not happen, then sexual intercourse will only cause pain instead of pleasant sensations. But this problem can be fixed. Contacting your gynecologist will help identify the cause of the lack of lubrication and eliminate it. You can also use special intimate cream-gels called lubricants. Such gels promote good hydration of the woman’s genital tract and protect the mucous membrane. Lubricants are purchased from pharmacies.

What can't make you sick?

The above reasons are very, very serious. They cannot be ignored. It is necessary to take action and seek medical help as quickly as possible. But what can stop you from facing the truth? These are various myths about the causes of pain during sexual intercourse. Below are the most common versions of such speculation and their debunking.

• Cervical erosion.

Cervical erosion is a sore on the cervix that is red and, in some cases, begins to bleed upon contact. As a rule, erosion is detected only during a gynecological examination. Pain and brown discharge can appear only if there is already very advanced erosion. In any case, if pain occurs in the lower abdomen during sexual intercourse, you should contact a gynecologist or sex therapist as soon as possible.

• Anatomical incompatibility of partners.

Anatomical incompatibility is the incompatibility of the genital organs of partners. This is a very rare phenomenon, occurring in only 1% of women. Basically, the tissues of the genital tract are very elastic, and the size of the penis cannot in any way be the cause of pain. Therefore, if they occur, it is better to avoid fantasies and consult a doctor.

Let's summarize

To summarize the above discussion, we should not take the pain signals our body gives us lightly. These are always either physical or psychological problems that require prompt intervention from a specialist. It is better to identify and prevent the disease in the early stages than to struggle with various complications for a long, expensive and exhausting time.

Regular visits to the gynecologist in itself help a woman monitor her health. But if various gynecological problems are identified, then three factors play a huge role in their resolution: treatment of the disease itself, restoration of psychological balance and loving support of a life partner.

A happy marriage cannot exist without mutual trust. Therefore, it is very important for spouses to be extremely frank with each other, especially in such delicate matters. This requires effort on the part of both spouses, but family happiness is worth it. In addition, such trusting relationships help overcome even very serious diseases.

Stories from our readers

The cause of painful intercourse or dyspareunia may be psycho-emotional or physical in origin. In the first case, it is caused by severe nervous stress, in the second – by various organic pathologies of the reproductive system. It can be quite difficult to identify type 1 dyspareunia, so the conclusion about its presence is often made by excluding possible physical factors that provoke pain.

Physical causes of pain during sexual intercourse

Atrophy of the mucous membrane and deterioration in the secretion of lubricating secretions (lubrication) is one of the common causes of dyspareunia and is characterized by the following symptoms:

• pain occurs at the entrance to the vagina,
• there is also pain in the genital tract,
• insertion of the penis into the vagina is difficult,
• during friction, strong friction is felt,
• During and after sexual intercourse, irritation of the mucous membranes of the genitals, itching and burning are noted.

Typically, pain during sexual intercourse of this type occurs in women during the period, since the production of sex hormones estrogen decreases. However, their deficiency can also be observed in women during the reproductive period. This problem also occurs in the case of an excess of male sex hormones in women. Often the cause of reduced lubrication and pain is the banal unpreparedness of the female body to begin sexual intercourse, that is, insufficient sexual arousal.

The cause of pain during sex can be a pathological growth of tissue of the uterine mucosa, or a benign neoplasm. The pain in this case is deep, it occurs not only during sexual intercourse, but also before menstruation and even in the middle of the menstrual cycle, often accompanied by bloody spotting and heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding.

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Painful sensations during sexual intercourse affect almost all women who have sexually transmitted diseases. Many microorganisms cause severe inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina, and sexual contact only aggravates the condition. In this case, in addition to pain, the woman also feels itching and burning, which can also be localized in the urethra; pathological mucopurulent discharge from the genital tract of a yellowish, grayish or greenish color, with an unpleasant odor, almost always occurs.

However, even if no infection is detected at the moment, but there is a history of it, this can cause pain during sex, since adhesions form in the pelvis during infectious inflammation. During sexual intercourse, they become tense, which is why pain occurs. Pain during adhesions most often has the following features:

• characterized as deep
• depends on the posture (in some poses it increases, and in others it decreases),
• increases during sharp and strong shocks.

Pathological conditions affecting the appendages also often lead to pain during sexual intercourse. It is observed with salpingitis. The painful sensations in this case are deep, often they occur only on one side, appear not only during sex, but also in the middle of the cycle, after hypothermia or physical exertion, and are accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

Other causes of female pain during sex:

• Venous stagnation in the pelvic cavity. The pain is characterized as deep, nagging, and intensifies after sexual intercourse. Such sensations arise against the background of dissatisfaction with sexual life, due to abstinence, and a woman’s lack of orgasm.
• Inflammation of the pelvic nerves. This pain is sharp, “shooting”, often radiating to the leg or hypochondrium. In most cases, it is preceded by infectious processes, hypothermia or severe nervous stress.
• Rear displacement of the uterus, pathological weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. The pain in this case is deep, and its intensity increases in some poses.
• Sexual intercourse is painful for most girls for the first time, during defloration, which is associated with damage to the hymen. For some, it does not rupture, but only stretches, so at first intercourse can be painful, and this pain is felt at the entrance to the vagina.
• Finally, infectious diseases of the urinary system - urethritis or cervicitis - can provoke pain during sex. In this case, the pain is accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the pubic area, frequent and painful urination.

Dyspareunia as a result of psychoemotional disorders

The reason for constant pain during sexual intercourse often lies not in physical disorders, but in psychological problems. This is especially common for women who once had an unsuccessful experience for various reasons (insufficient arousal, too much excitement, infectious diseases of the reproductive system) and were therefore accompanied by painful sensations.

The fear of pain during sex remains in the memory, and this provokes a powerful involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Thus, the pain does not arise from penetration into the vagina, but as a result of a spasm of one's own muscles - this condition is called vaginismus. Pain with vaginismus occurs at the entrance to the vagina, and insertion of the penis, tampon, finger or speculum during a gynecological examination is difficult.

Pain during sex in men

The causes of acute pain in the urethra, which is accompanied by a burning sensation and intensifies during ejaculation, are usually infectious processes in the urethra, prostate gland or bladder.

A history of sexually transmitted infections is also important, since they could lead to cicatricial shortening of the frenulum of the penis. Because of this, retracting the foreskin becomes painful and is often accompanied by tearing of the frenulum. The pain is localized in the head of the penis and is acute.

Also, in men, as in women, sexual intercourse can become very painful due to spasm of the pelvic floor muscles as a result of severe psychological discomfort. In this case, the painful sensations are localized at a depth, in the lower abdomen.

What to do if there is pain during sexual intercourse?

It is extremely important to understand that painful sensations during sex are not only a symptom of serious disorders, but themselves provoke the development of pathology, as well as deep discord in intimate life. Only a specialist - a urologist, gynecologist or sex therapist - can help you get rid of this problem forever, since he will be able to detect and eliminate the root cause of dyspareunia. To do this, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests and studies, conduct special tests and choose the optimal treatment tactics for a particular patient.

Sexual life is an integral and very important part of a relationship. After all, regular sexual intercourse is not only an opportunity to obtain physical satisfaction, but also a prerequisite for psychological comfort. However, in order for both partners to be satisfied, it is important that during sexual intercourse neither of them feels discomfort or pain.

In fact, pain during sexual intercourse is a typical phenomenon for women. If pain is a woman’s constant companion during sexual intercourse, then she, of course, will not be able to receive full pleasure. As a result, this will affect both her state of mind and her relationship with a loved one.

Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe a condition where women experience pain during sexual intercourse. This condition can develop at any age, and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse is possible at almost any stage of intimate contact. The nature of this symptom can also be different, as well as its localization and severity.

Only a specialist can answer the question of why it hurts during sexual intercourse, having previously carried out all the necessary examinations. It often happens that the cause of such troubles lies in absolutely simple things - for example, incorrect body position during sex. Also, this may be due to no less “banal” reasons - vaginal dryness, the presence of psychological discomfort due to the inexperience of the partner.

But if dyspareunia manifests itself systematically, then it is likely that it is associated with more serious causes. This phenomenon can provoke diseases of the genitourinary or reproductive systems associated with infections and those of a non-infectious nature. The causes of dyspareunia will be discussed in this article.

How does a doctor determine the causes of pain?

In the process of collecting anamnesis, the doctor asks a number of questions about the characteristics of the person’s health condition and more. During your consultation with a specialist, you may be asked the following questions:

• Are there other disorders associated with sexual activity, in particular poor hydration during arousal, lack of orgasm? Have there been any attempts to cure this condition?
• Do the uncharacteristic ones appear in a strange color or with an unpleasant odor? Did you experience pain in the lower abdomen?
• Has the woman had any illnesses caused by sexually transmitted infections (incl. , )?
• Is there an aggravated obstetric history: were there any injuries during childbirth, incisions of the perineal tissue, use of forceps during childbirth?
• Has the woman previously been diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain? salpingitis , and etc.?
• Have any surgical interventions been performed on the abdominal cavity or genitourinary organs? Did a woman pass by?
• What methods of contraception were used previously, and what contraceptives does the woman currently use? Have any intrauterine devices been used for protection?
• Has the woman been diagnosed or Behcet's syndrome ?
• Do you worry about skin diseases, etc.?
• Have there been any problems with the urinary system? Was the patient sick or bothered by colon diseases?
• Is there high sensitivity to cosmetics and medications – ointments, creams, lotions? Does sensitivity occur when using colored or scented toilet paper or intimate hygiene products?

The specialist also asks about the nature of the pain that manifests itself:

• When exactly do pain sensations appear - before the start of the act at the entrance, immediately during movement, after contact?
• If the pain is deep, where exactly is it located? Which side exactly did the pain start on?
• The nature of the pain – sharp, aching, strong, burning?
• Are you bothered by unpleasant sensations - burning, itching?
• Are the pains generalized (that is, independent of the situation or partner) or situational (related to circumstances, partner, dependent on the monthly cycle)?
• Does pain depend on position during sex?
• Is there a connection between the manifestation of pain and the use of alcohol or drugs?
• Was the pain bothering you from the very beginning of sexual activity or did this symptom appear recently?

Psychosocial aspects are also discussed:

• Has the woman discussed this problem with her partner?
• Have similar manifestations been observed in intimate relationships with another partner?
• Has any concerted action been taken to overcome these manifestations?
• Has the woman experienced rape or assault before?
• Does the patient suffer from symptoms anxiety disorders ?
• Are there any stress factors in her life?

Why does dyspareunia occur?

The reasons why painful sexual intercourse and discomfort during intimate contacts are noted are clearly divided into two groups by experts:

• Diseases of the genitourinary system associated with infections and having a non-infectious origin.
• The presence of psychological problems associated with the fear of experiencing pain again after an unsuccessful intimate experience.

If a specialist seeks to determine the reason why vaginal pain occurs during sexual intercourse, he initially needs to find out whether the patient’s arousal is sufficient before intimate intercourse.

Vaginal dryness associated with insufficient arousal is observed in unstable relationships in a couple and constant conflicts. A woman does not have time to become sufficiently aroused if her partners do not master the technique of foreplay or simply do not pay enough attention to them. As a result, a certain vicious circle gradually appears when initially a woman experiences insufficient hydration associated with psychological aspects or inexperience, and later this phenomenon repeats, and before each sexual intercourse the woman already expects the appearance of pain.

Diseases that cause pain during sexual intercourse

Pain during sexual intercourse can be a symptom of various diseases. They can develop anywhere in the intimate area and have different origins. There are a number of the most common infectious and non-infectious diseases that may cause pain during sexual intercourse.

Infectious diseases:

• Endometriosis – pathological changes in the endometrium, in which particles of this tissue appear in various atypical places – ovaries, serous and muscular layers of the uterus, peritoneum, etc.
• – acute or chronic inflammation in the vagina, which appears as a result of exposure to trichomonas , chlamydia , gonococci , fungi, mycoplasma , nonspecific pathogenic microorganisms. Sometimes vaginitis is associated with hormonal imbalances.
• Cystitis – an inflamed process in the bladder.
• Urethritis – inflammation of the tissues of the urethra.
• Spikes in the pelvis, manifested as a result of inflammation of the abdominal cavity, acute or chronic – develop after a previous acute or chronic inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity.
• Salpingitis , cervicitis in a chronic form.

Non-communicable diseases:

• Postpartum sutures, injuries, ruptures, as well as sutures after operations.
• Insufficient hydration - inactivity of the arousal phase in young women, lack of moisture during the period.
• Vaginal atrophy – a similar condition is characteristic of the menopause period, it is manifested by dryness of the vaginal mucous membranes due to a lack of estrogen in the body.
• Venous stagnation - this condition is observed when abstaining from intimate life or during irregular sexual intercourse, as a result of which stagnation of blood develops in the vessels of the small pelvis.
• Decreased tone of the pelvic floor - leads to .
• Myomas , cysts – neoplasms that appear in the pelvic organs.
• Retroversion of the uterus – anomalies in the position of this organ (bending, deviation) in relation to other pelvic organs.
• Incompatibility of sizes, anatomical discrepancy is a rare phenomenon, since the female vagina is stretchable, and if there is sufficient hydration, then there are no problems. This is possible with gigantism in a man.

Dyspareunia: what is it and how does it manifest?

Dyspareunia is a condition in which pain occurs during sexual intercourse. Symptoms of dyspareunia in women may appear before sexual intercourse, when the penis first penetrates the vagina. Dyspareunia can also occur with movement. Pain after sexual intercourse is also possible.

Each woman perceives such manifestations individually, feeling burning, pressure, discomfort or sharp pain.

If the pain is not severe or of moderate intensity, then most likely we are talking about an inflammatory disease.

Sharp pain may be a sign of acute inflammation of the ovaries, uterus, and appendages.

Psychological factors lead to pain of varying localization and intensity. They may disappear completely after a change of partner or environment.

Superficial pain

It appears at the entrance when the partner inserts the penis. They are often associated with diseases of the vestibule and lips, insufficient hydration, vaginismus . The probable cause of such sensations may be vaginitis of fungal or bacterial origin, as well as vulvodynia , vulvar dystrophy, mucosal atrophy. Superficial pain is also possible.

When a woman consults a doctor with such complaints, he may note the presence of ulcers or cracks in the vestibule of the vagina.

If pain appears during palpation along the urethra and bladder, then the cause is likely due to urethritis.

Herpeptic rashes indicate genital herpes, in which case the discomfort disappears after the course of treatment for the infection.

Deep pain

If sexual intercourse between a woman and a man causes deep pain, most often the reasons for this phenomenon are associated with adhesions, endometriosis . They can also be provoked by stagnation in the pelvis in women. Less common causes are endometritis, inflammation of the appendages, abnormal location of the uterus, weakened pelvic floor tone. A number of unpleasant symptoms, including dyspareunia, appear in diseases of the urinary system. The same thing happens with intestinal diseases. Therefore, dyspareunia can be caused by both colon inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome.

During menopause deep pain manifests itself as a result of atrophic changes, insufficient arousal phase and associated dryness in the vagina. As a result, friction becomes difficult, and pain appears both at the entrance and inside the vagina. With certain positions, the pain intensifies, because the vagina does not lengthen or expand. Often a woman is interested, for example, in why pain appears in a position where the woman is on top, but not in other positions.

In this way, we can summarize what pain can occur in certain diseases.

Superficial

• Vulvodynia .
• Urethritis .
• Vaginismus .
• Vulvar vestibulitis .
• Vaginitis .
• Lack of arousal and, as a result, hydration.

Deep

• Spikes in the small pelvis.
• Inflammation in the pelvis.
• Endometritis .
• Endometriosis .
• Pathology of the appendages, urethra.
• Venous stagnation in the small pelvis.
• Retroversion of the uterus .
• Cervicitis in a chronic form.

Both superficial and deep

• Vaginal atrophy and associated vaginal dryness.
• Insufficient hydration
• Investigation, operations, injuries.

Pain after pregnancy

The problem of pain during sex after childbirth very often worries young mothers. There is research data that after childbirth, about 40% of young mothers report non-localized pain, approximately 45% of women experience pain at the entrance. Directly during intimate contact, significant discomfort appears in 25% of patients who have undergone breast cancer and in approximately 40% of nursing mothers. However, the reasons for this phenomenon remain completely unclear to doctors to this day.

In most cases, the pain stops within six months after birth, but sometimes this condition can persist for a whole year.

Reasons related to psychological factors

Not only physiological reasons can provoke the development dyspareunia . This condition is often associated with psychological reasons, which is why a woman may refuse sexual intercourse.

Fear of sexual intercourse

Most girls are afraid of their first sexual contact due to the upcoming defloration and pain associated with this process. During defloration, pain occurs due to tearing hymen . Many girls feel fear precisely because of this.

This disorder may be due to fear of the partner if he behaves cruelly. Also, a woman often fears an unwanted pregnancy, and this prevents her from relaxing. If you cannot overcome such fears on your own, a specialist psychologist or sexologist will help.

Pain during intercourse during pregnancy

When having sex during pregnancy, some women feel discomfort and pain at these moments. This condition develops at the level of the subcortical centers of the brain due to the risk of harming the fetus due to penetration of the penis into the vagina. However, some experts argue that dyspareunia cannot be associated with pregnancy, but is a consequence of gynecological diseases.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition that is often associated with complications of defloration. In this case, a woman for a long time cannot overcome the fears that are associated with sexual relations with a previous partner. Vaginismus is characterized by uncontrollable sharp spasms of the vaginal muscles, which causes pain and makes it impossible to fully complete sexual intercourse.

The presence of complexes and self-doubt

Often women believe that their body is imperfect, and this makes them doubt their own attractiveness and prevents them from focusing on sexual play. As a result, there is not enough arousal, and the partner feels pain during intercourse. This often happens to women who are overweight or have certain physical disabilities. Psychological complexes often become a serious problem, and only a specialist can help overcome them.

You can determine the causes of this condition by visiting a specialist - a urologist, gynecologist, psychotherapist, sexologist. First, the doctor carefully collects anamnesis, conducting a careful questioning of the patient about the characteristics of the symptoms and the circumstances under which pain appears. If the doctor suspects that the cause of unpleasant symptoms is gynecological diseases, he may prescribe a number of diagnostic and laboratory tests:

• Extensive or general clinical examinations of urine and blood.
• Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.
• Detection of infections, including those that are sexually transmitted.

Having received a complete picture thanks to the listed studies, the doctor will be able to confirm or deny that pain during sexual intercourse in a woman is associated with a certain disease. If it is not possible to identify clear reasons for the development of such a condition, then the psychological nature of dyspareunia is considered.

The table below shows the differentiation of those conditions in which dyspareunia manifests itself in a woman.

Disease	Signs	Causes	Research results	Following actions
Dyspareunia unknown origin	Pain at the entrance or deep pain.	Unidentified.	There are no signs of disease.	A psychological diagnosis should be carried out.
Vulvodynia	Complaints of burning; signs of irritation at the entrance; pain when sitting and while cycling; ineffectiveness of treatment.	Irritants; infections, pain due to unknown causes.	Pain on palpation; erythema on the skin or its absence; if ulcers, pigmentation, or nodules are present, then it is necessary to identify another pathology.	A thorough examination, biopsy, and colposcopy are performed;
Vaginismus	Pain at the entrance; muscle spasm at the entrance; difficulties when inserting a tampon, finger, penis.	Unidentified; reflex reaction or psychological reasons.	Vaginal spasm during palpation; difficulties when inserting a speculum.	Careful history taking; physical and psychological examination.
Vulvar vestibulitis	Aching pain at the entrance; burning, itching, inflammation of the vulva in the vestibular area.	Unidentified.	Flat erythema with clear or blurred edges; the appearance of sharp pain when touched by a cotton swab.	Thorough examination, biopsy, colposcopy; Apply an application of acetic acid to exposed areas.
Disturbed natural hydration, tissue atrophy	Difficulty in inserting the penis and the appearance of pain; dryness, irritation.	Postponed surgeries; problems during the arousal phase; decreased amount of natural lubrication and worsening vaginal stretching; deficit estrogen .	During the examination, special attention is paid to the fullness of the labia, the presence of pubic baldness and cracks, and violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane; it is determined how easily the mucous membrane is injured.	Discussion with a specialist about the role of foreplay and sensations during the arousal phase.
Diseases of the uterine appendages	Deep pain that often appears on either the right or left side.	STD; ovarian cyst.	The appendages are enlarged; inactive, painful.	Laparoscopy.
Endometriosis of the uterus, adhesions	Pain during menstruation; deep pain.	In case of adhesions – previous operations, infections; with endometriosis – the causes are unknown.	The uterus and appendages are inactive, the presence of nodules.	Laparoscopy.
Uterine fibroids, its abnormal location, weakened pelvic floor tone	Deep pain.	The uterus is located in a special way.	Prolapse or enlargement of the uterus.	It is recommended to change your position during intercourse.
Venous stagnation	Deep pain; pain after sexual intercourse.	Unidentified; With varicose veins, the likelihood of stagnation increases.	There are no special features.	Depending on the characteristics of the pain.
Endometritis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, cervicitis in chronic form	Deep pain.	Infections.	The cervix is ​​easily injured, there is discharge; Pain is felt when the cervix is ​​displaced.	Bacterial culture, colposcopy, tests, and laparoscopy are performed.
Urethritis, cystitis, interstitial cystitis	Feeling of pressure above the pubis; frequent urge to urinate.	Unclear origin; infections.	Pain on palpation of the urethra and bladder.	Bacterial culture of urine; its general analysis.

Therapy for this condition is carried out depending on the reasons for discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

If dyspareunia is caused by inflammatory processes, the patient is prescribed a medication regimen to eliminate the inflammation.

When it comes to pain caused by fibroids , endometriosis or ovarian cyst , surgery is often prescribed.

Provided that dyspareunia was provoked by the presence of psychological problems, the woman needs to consult a specialist sexologist or psychologist.

It is important for every woman to realize: if pain during sexual intercourse occurs constantly, this problem should never be ignored. Moreover, you cannot practice any self-medication.

Only a doctor can conduct a thorough diagnosis and, using the necessary examination methods, determine why such a problem occurs, and then completely eliminate it.

Since the factors causing dyspareunia , in fact, there are a lot, and some of them are very serious, you cannot expect that such an unpleasant symptom will disappear on its own over time. And the sooner a woman sounds the alarm and tells a specialist about her problem, the greater her chances of eliminating these symptoms as soon as possible, with a minimum of effort.

– a fairly common reason for seeking advice from a urologist or andrologist. Due to the peculiarities of anatomy, men may well experience discomfort and pain during intimacy. However, such disorders indicate serious disorders in the male body - an inflammatory process or injury. Causes pain during intercourse in men must be installed by a specialist. They also select the optimal treatment plan.

Symptoms of the disorder

In medical practice pain during sexual intercourse This is called dyspareunia. Since the problem is of a delicate nature, not every representative of the stronger half of humanity decides to seek medical help at the first signs of deteriorating health.

Under no circumstances should you delay visiting a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• severe pain during intercourse;
• discomfort in the groin area, sacral region of the spine, in the projection of the rectum;
• discomfort during urination, ejaculation - recurring more and more often, becoming more intense and longer lasting;
• pain in the right side during sexual intercourse;
• increased urge to visit the toilet;
• unpleasant-smelling discharge from the urethra;
• pain in left side during intercourse;
• constant itching or burning in the groin area;
• headache in men during orgasm;
• increase in temperature parameters - throughout the day or in the evening, more often to subfebrile values.

If discomfort during sexual intercourse occur more than once, but with regularity, a consultation with a doctor must be carried out. Subsequently, in the absence of medical care and examination, the symptoms only intensify, and the man’s condition worsens. Sexual life ceases to bring joy, and sexual impotence develops.

Physical causes of pain during sexual intercourse

In some cases, the explanation why does it hurt during intercourse Phimosis or paraphimosis is a congenital, or less commonly acquired, narrowing of the foreskin of the penis. Therefore, exposing the head of the penis seems impossible - the process is accompanied by intense pain.

Pain during intercourse phimosis occurs due to the following reasons:

• significantly narrowed flesh mechanically compresses the head of the penis, and an erection only increases discomfort;
• the course of the inflammatory process - against the background of accumulated smegma under the flesh, pathogenic microorganisms are able to actively multiply, causing pain during intercourse;
• paranephrosis provokes compression and necrosis of the foreskin - the pain is so intense that emergency medical care is required.

Another reason Why is there pain during intercourse? appears in men - this is a tear in the frenulum of the penis. It is not difficult to recognize the pathology by the local bleeding that appears from the damaged tissue.

As a rule, such trauma is formed as a result of overly aggressive sex, or frequent masturbation. After the wound is scarred, a scar appears on the penis. Subsequently, it also affects the quality of sex and pleasure – painful intercourse may become the norm for a man. The choice of the optimal treatment method directly depends on the severity and extent of the injury.

Congenital anatomical features of the penis are defects that formed in a man at the stage of his intrauterine development. Pain during sexual intercourse can occur with an initially narrow ring of the foreskin, a short frenulum or other anatomical features.

Infectious causes of dyspareunia

Inflammatory processes in the urethral canal in men are one of the most common causes; they appear if there are no anatomical defects of the penis.

If a man it hurts to pee after intercourse, then he may have developed an inflammatory focus directly in the tissues of the urethral outlet - urethritis. Frequent causes of this disorder are sexually transmitted infections if a man changes sexual partners without using barrier contraception. The chronic disease is accompanied by a burning sensation and unpleasant itching in the penis.

Inflammatory processes in men often affect not only the head of the penis, but also the foreskin - the formation of balanopastitis. In a third of cases, such a pathology is the cause why is there pain during intercourse? appeared. Typical symptoms are acute pain and tissue hyperemia. Often, a man is diagnosed with fever and chills, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes and their soreness.

The cavernous bodies inside the penis fill with blood during an erection, so an inflammatory process - cavernitis - can also occur in them. The pathological disorder is characterized by intense pain during sexual intercourse act, as well as the presence of hyperthermia, general malaise and purulent discharge from the urethra.

For causes of pain during intercourse Sexually transmitted infections can also occur - for example, chlamydia, syphilis or trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis. Not all of them have obvious signs of an inflammatory process; they can occur in a latent form. And a man only notes during sex that he has pain and burning during sexual intercourse e. Timely treatment allows you to avoid serious complications - erectile dysfunction, infertility.

Internal causes of pain during sex

Pain during sexual intercourse can be observed not only directly in the penis, but also in other parts of the man’s body. Thus, a sharp release of adrenal hormones at the time of ejaculation leads to vasospasm, which is accompanied by the appearance of foci of ischemia in the structures of the brain - headache during orgasm in men n.

Discomfort during intercourse can be observed with grade 1–2 varicocele - expansion of the vascular structures of the scrotum and penis in men. A sharp flow of blood to these organs provokes pain in them, and natural physical activity only aggravates the situation.

If a man perineum hurts after intercourse, it is necessary to exclude the course of prostatitis. It is not without reason that this organ is called the second “heart” - it is the organ that is responsible for a man’s full sexual life. Discomfort during sexual intercourse may be expressed slightly, but if it is constantly repeated, it is not recommended to delay consulting a doctor.

If a man complains to a specialist that he has right side hurts after intercourse or at him left side hurts after sexual intercourse, then a preliminary diagnosis can be various inflammatory processes of internal organs - intestines, pancreas, bladder. Only instrumental and laboratory examinations will put everything in its place.

Signs severe pain during intercourse often indicate the formation of Peyronie's syndrome - the appearance of plaques inside the cavernous bodies of the penis. Along with compactions, the pathology will be characterized by curvature of the penis - of varying degrees of severity. It is this kind of deviation that explains why does pain occur during sexual intercourse?. In severe cases of the disease, men are forced to completely abandon the joys of sex.

Other causes of dyspareunia

Often the reason Why during sexual intercourse discomfort or even pain arises due to an injury received by a man - due to excessively violent, aggressive sex, the habit of frequent masturbation, intimate intercourse with a partner who has not yet released lubricant into the vagina.

If hurts after intercourse, hurts it is the head of the penis that needs to be excluded from vascular pathologies - obliterating endarteritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes. Changed veins and arteries lead to the fact that the blood supply to the penis and the entire genitourinary system of a man suffers. Gradually, discomfort increases, the affected area increases, and pain in the side after intercourse.

Neuralgia of the pelvic nerves is a rather rare disease in men, but it may well develop, for example, due to excessive hypothermia of the pelvis or physical overload. Will manifest itself both before intimacy and after sexual intercourse – severe pain don't allow you to enjoy sex. Therapeutic measures should be recommended by a neurologist.

Emotional stress also affects the quality of a man’s intimate sensations – pain during sexual intercourse on the left side, in the area of ​​the sacrum, in the head, are psychological in nature. With the acquisition of experience in bed pleasures, they lose their intensity or disappear altogether.

Long-term abstinence - and it affects the quality of intimate meetings. Stagnant processes in the pelvis increase the load on the penis, which leads to discomfort during sex. Abstinence may explain why does it hurt to pee after intercourse?– edematous tissues do not have time to adapt; foci of inflammation may be observed in them.

If a couple prefers to additionally use various sex toys or condoms with special gels and lubricants, then the man may experience allergy symptoms. Severe pain after intercourse, various rashes on the penis, intense itching or burning - all these may be symptoms of an allergic local reaction.

Diagnostics

Putting off solving an intimate problem - pain during intercourse, why they appear and what provokes them means aggravating problems with your own health. Timely diagnosis – identifying the true root cause of discomfort, pain in the right side during sexual intercourse or directly in the head of the penis, allows you to more effectively cope with the disorder and achieve recovery.

In addition to a thorough history taking - when did the pain after sex in men What preceded this, whether there were similar signs of intimate problems before, the specialist conducts a physical examination. The presence of hyperemia of the penile tissue, any discharge, or an increase in temperature will indicate the presence of an inflammatory lesion.

Instrumental and laboratory tests can confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis - phimosis, balanopastitis, trauma, prostatitis:

• taking discharge from a man’s urethra for culture;
• Ultrasound of pelvic structures and internal organs;
• various blood tests - general, biochemical, as well as PSA and other tumor markers;
• endoscopic methods – sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy;
• radiography;
• CT, MRI.

Only after analyzing all the information received from the above laboratory and instrumental methods for examining a man, a specialist will be able to answer the question why pain after intercourse or directly at the moment of sexual contact.

Treatment tactics

If a man has pain after intercourse, they should not be ignored. As a rule, diseases do not cure on their own - they only become chronic. It can then be much more difficult to heal them.

The optimal tactics for eliminating an intimate problem are selected by a specialist in each case on an individual basis. Thus, when a penis injury is detected, the volume of intervention directly depends on the area of ​​the lesion. Either anti-inflammatory therapy is recommended, or in combination with surgical suturing of the defect.

After confirmation of one of the sexually transmitted diseases, a set of measures is carried out to suppress the activity of the pathogen and remove it from the man’s body. Similar tactics will be taken if an inflammatory focus is diagnosed in the pelvic structures.

If the pain syndrome accompanying sexual intercourse is caused by vascular pathology, a tumor, or atherosclerotic lesions of the cavernous bodies of the penis in a man, complex treatment is prescribed. It is imperative to correct the main cause of the pathological process, as well as accompanying manifestations - reducing temperature, pain intensity, improving blood circulation.

Allergic reactions that occur in response to the use of barrier contraceptives or lubricants are eliminated by taking antiallergic drugs. In the future, it is better to reconsider the possibility of using them - to purchase other means, or to abandon them altogether.

Self-medication is not encouraged by specialists - most often such actions lead to various complications and consequences. Only comprehensive, pathophysiological treatment contributes to the rapid recovery of a man and gives him the opportunity to fully enjoy the joys of sex.

Prevention

Since intimate relationships are an integral part of the life of every adult, preventing the occurrence of various diseases in the sexual sphere is the main condition for long-term, full-fledged sexual activity.

To prevent pain in the penis from bothering a man, he is recommended to indulge in bed pleasures with a partner who does not have sexually transmitted pathologies. Otherwise, if you are not sure about the safety of contact, it is better to use a barrier contraceptive.

Congestion in the pelvic organs and inflammatory foci can be prevented by regular sexual intercourse. However, with too frequent, aggressive sex, various injuries to the penis are possible. It is better to follow measures to prevent them. Then intimacy will bring only pleasure and not pain.

If, as a result of a preventive medical examination, any male diseases were diagnosed - prostatitis, balanopastitis, urethritis, or cavernitis, they must be treated in a timely manner. This will serve as a warning against their transition to a chronic form and increase the severity of discomfort during bed “exercises”.

As you know, the best treatment for any disease is its prevention. If a man carefully monitors his health and takes all the listed safety measures during sexual contact with his partner, he is guaranteed a long and active sex life.