Hi,
Painful sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, can have a variety of causes. Some possible causes include:
Vaginal dryness: Insufficient lubrication can cause painful friction during intercourse. This can be due to hormonal changes, medication side effects, menopause, or certain medical conditions.
* Infections: Infections such as
yeast infections or
bacterial vaginosis can cause discomfort or pain during sex.
* Vulvodynia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva (the external genital area). It can cause burning, stinging, or sharp pain during sex.
* Pelvic floor dysfunction: The muscles in the pelvic floor can become too tense or too weak, causing
pain during intercourse. This can be due to a variety of factors such as childbirth, surgery, or trauma.
* Endometriosis: It is a condition where there is tissue growth outside the lines of the uterus. It can cause pain during intercourse as well as during
menstruation.
* Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They can cause pain during intercourse as well as
heavy periods and pelvic pain.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms to determine the underlying cause of your pain. They may recommend treatments such as topical lubricants,
hormone therapy, pelvic floor
physical therapy, or surgery depending on the cause of the pain. It is also important to communicate with your partner about your discomfort and to explore different sexual positions or activities that may be more comfortable for you.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician