This content is meant to help you understand your symptoms and is not intended as medical advice.
Experiencing pain during intercourse, known medically as dyspareunia, can significantly impact your sexual health and overall well-being. It can occur at the entrance of the vagina or deeper in the pelvis.
Dyspareunia affects up to 10-20% of women at some point in their lives. It's more common in women with certain gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus, often on other reproductive organs. This tissue can cause painful lesions and adhesions that make intercourse painful. Early detection and management can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of infertility.
Vaginal Dryness: Reduced lubrication, often due to hormonal changes, menopause, breastfeeding, or certain medications may also cause pain during intercourse. Addressing the cause of dryness can enhance comfort and intimacy.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PID can lead to scarring and inflammation, causing pain during sex. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications, including chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts can also cause deep pelvic pain during intercourse. Rupture or torsion of ovarian cysts can lead to severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina, often due to infections, irritants, or hormonal changes.
If you've just started experiencing pain or if it's getting worse, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions. If you have been suffering with dyspareunia for a while, but it is affecting your intimacy and quality of life, it's just as essential to seek medical advice.
Pay attention to other symptoms like abnormal discharge, bleeding, fever, or pain outside of intercourse. These could indicate more serious health issues that require prompt treatment, and it'd be best to discuss your symptoms with a doctor as soon as you can.
This is what we suggest based on your symptoms.
