Pain During Intercourse: Learn the Causes and Regain Comfort

Pain During Intercourse: Learn the Causes and Regain Comfort

Pain during intercourse is a common problem affecting women, with physical, psychological, and social dimensions, and it negatively impacts the relationship between partners.

Causes of pain during intercourse:

- Physiological causes:

** Vaginal dryness: due to estrogen deficiency after menopause, during breastfeeding, or due to certain medications

** Vaginal infections

** Urinary tract infections

** Cervical or pelvic infections

** Internal scarring and adhesions due to previous surgeries

** Endometriosis

** Uterine fibroids

- Psychological reasons:

**Anxiety or tension about sexual relations

**Previous sexual trauma

**Weak attraction or communication with partner

How is it treated?

First, the underlying cause must be identified, and treatments will be prescribed accordingly.

1- If the cause is estrogen deficiency, it can be replaced topically or orally.

2- Appropriate treatments for vaginal infections: antibiotics, antifungals.

3- Appropriate treatment for urinary tract infections (antibiotics).

4- Prescribing antibiotics to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, which may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

5- Performing a laparoscopic procedure to release adhesions.

6- Treating endometriosis with hormonal pills or surgically removing endometriomas.

7- Removing uterine fibroids.

**Moisturizers and lubricants can be used during sexual intercourse to relieve dryness and painful friction.

**A topical anesthetic gel can be applied to the vaginal opening half an hour before intercourse to relieve pain caused by penile penetration, especially for newlyweds.

How can pain during intercourse caused by psychological factors be treated?

**Consult a psychologist or sex therapist

**Relaxation exercises

**Enhancing sexual communication techniques

**Adjustments to the relationship, such as:

- Gradually increasing foreplay and arousal before penetration

- Using comfortable positions to reduce pain

If the pain is accompanied by bleeding or abnormal discharge, this requires immediate medical attention.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist