When Should I See a Doctor About Painful Sex?

When sex becomes painful before, during, or after, you’ve developed dyspareunia, a condition caused by medical, physical, or even psychological and emotional reasons. Regardless of its origin, however, it’s time to book an appointment with Southeast Urogyn in Jackson, Mississippi, when dyspareunia affects your enjoyment of sex and quality of life.

When sex starts to hurt

It’s not unusual for sex to be uncomfortable from time to time. Inadequate natural lubrication may lead to this at different times in your cycle or after menopause. These infrequent times of painful sex probably aren’t a reason for a doctor’s visit, particularly if you can control the issue with over-the-counter remedies, such as lubricants.

When painful intercourse is more chronic in nature, you may experience one or more symptoms on a regular basis. These can include:

• Discomfort or pain with any vaginal penetration, including tampons
• Pain with vigorous intercourse, particularly with deep penetration
• Aching or burning sensations
• Bleeding, discomfort, or pain after intercourse
• Urinary problems, such as urgency or burning pain during urination
• Pain with intercourse that worsens over time

Even if your discomfort is minor, it may be time to see a specialist if it makes you hesitant to have sex or if it begins to affect your relationship.

Causes of dyspareunia

The problems at the source of painful sex can be quite varied. Generally, the reasons behind dyspareunia can be sorted into three groups. It’s possible for you to have contributing factors from any or all of these groups.

Inadequate lubrication

Inadequate lubrication is a common cause for sexual pain, and it can result from hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or after menopause. Some medications, like sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants and some birth control pills can also affect natural lubrication.

Vaginal problems

Trauma to the vagina due to injury or giving birth can also cause painful intercourse. Infections and skin conditions, such as eczema, may increase sensitivity and skin dryness. Involuntary spasms of the vaginal walls, a condition called vaginismus, can also cause painful sex.

Medical issues

Deep pain can sometimes be the result of medical treatments or surgeries, such as cancer therapies or a hysterectomy. Medical conditions, including cystitis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis can all cause or contribute to pain during sex.

Emotional effects

Your emotions about sex can have a significant impact on your body’s response. It’s possible to experience painful sex even though there are no physical reasons for discomfort. Those with a history of sexual abuse, for instance, may have post-traumatic responses that interfere with the ability to be intimate. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem can also alter the body’s physical response to arousal.

No matter what reason or combination of factors is behind your dyspareunia, contact our women’s health professionals at Southeast Urogyn if painful sex interferes with your life. From examination to diagnosis and treatment, you’re in the care of medical experts who have your wellness in mind. Call the office today or message the practice online from this website.