Darrick Robles Sex is supposed to be fun, but it can also be painful at times. About 3 out of 4 women will experience pain during sex at some point in their lives. Although the problem is more common in women, men are also affected: it is estimated that up to 5% of men experience pain during sex. In most cases, the problem can be easily managed – if you know what is behind it.
“The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia. There are a variety of reasons why women and men can suffer from it. These include infections, physical or mental illnesses,” says Dr. Rhianna McClymont.
Here are some of the most common reasons sex can be painful.
1. Fungal infection
This infection is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Both men and women can suffer from it, with the fungal infection being more common in women . According to studies, approximately 75% of women will be affected by vaginal thrush at some point in their lives.
“Symptoms in women include itching and pain, especially in the area of the vaginal opening, vaginal discharge, which is often thick, and sometimes discomfort during sex,” says Dr. McClymont. “In men, the infection can manifest as irritation and redness of the skin of the vagina express penis.”
A fungal infection can be treated with antifungal suppositories or creams. These preparations are usually available over the counter in any pharmacy. However, if symptoms of infection persist, you should seek medical advice.
2. Bladder infection
More than 50% of all women experience at some point a urinary tract infection – such as a bladder infection. It is less common in men. Symptoms in both sexes include
- a burning sensation when urinating,
- the feeling of having to go to the toilet more often and
- dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
Most mild cases in women clear up on their own or can be treated with over-the-counter products from the pharmacy. However, if symptoms recur, you have a temperature above 100°F (38°C) and lower back or side pain, you should talk to your GP. These symptoms can be a sign of a kidney infection.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause symptoms such as painful sex, bleeding after sex (chlamydia), or painful urination. However, sometimes there are no symptoms at all. If you think you may have contracted an STI, you should talk to your GP or gynecologist. STIs can usually be treated well.
4. Menopause
Things are different for women after menopause. Pain during sex is one of the most common complaints. “During menopause , the falling estrogen levels lead to a reduction in vaginal secretions, which can lead to dryness in the vagina. This can make sex uncomfortable or even painful,” says Dr. McClymont.]
Lubricants can help relieve dryness and discomfort. However, if symptoms persist, you should talk to your doctor.
5. Lack of arousal
When sexually aroused, the vagina produces a secretion that facilitates intercourse. If there is no vaginal secretion, sex can become painful. On the one hand, lubricants can help here. On the other hand, affected couples should talk about it and find out if they can do something together. But there are other stressors that can affect libido as well. Learn more about why the desire for sex can decrease.
6. Irritated skin
“The skin can become inflamed due to allergies or irritants like latex condoms, soaps or certain spermicides,” says Dr McClymont. “If you have a skin condition like eczema or genital dermatitis, your skin may hurt during intercourse. Silicone-based lubes can help in the short-term, but it’s important to get medical attention for the underlying skin condition.”
7. Vaginismus
In vaginismus, the vaginal muscles contract during intercourse, making sex either impossible or painful. “Vaginismus is an involuntary reflex and often occurs due to fear of penetration,” says Dr. McClymont. “Treatment usually focuses on psychological help, relaxation techniques, and exercises to help acclimatize to penetration.” Here is a list of gynecologists who specialize in treating vaginismus .
8. Pelvic floor inflammation
Pelvic floor inflammation is most common in women under the age of 24. “A pelvic floor infection is usually triggered by an infection,” says Dr. McClymont. “It can cause pain during sex, pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding. Pelvic floor inflammation requires medical attention, usually with antibiotics.”
9. Endometriosis
About 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis . “In this condition, cells similar to those in the uterus grow elsewhere in the body – around the ovaries, for example. And for some women, it can cause pain during sex,” says Dr. McClymont. Endometriosis can also lead to painful periods and abdominal pain. “Various treatments can help manage the symptoms of the chronic condition, including surgery, hormone treatments and pain-relieving medication.”
10. Prostatitis
“Prostatitis is a relatively common condition that can cause pain in the penis, testicles, anus, and lower back,” said Dr. McClymont. “It’s often accompanied by painful urination, frequent urination, or an urge to urinate. Acute prostatitis requires treatment with antibiotics and a doctor’s office should be consulted.”
11. Foreskin constriction
“Phimosis is a narrowing of the foreskin of the penis,” says Dr. McClymont. It occurs in about 1% of boys and can cause pain during sex if it persists into adulthood and is left untreated. “The discomfort can be relieved by using condoms or lubricants, but if problems persist, it is best to seek medical advice.”
