Vagina pain during sex? find out the causes and solutions

Who said sex is always fun? In fact, sex can also trigger vaginal pain which makes arousal even extinguished. Don't underestimate this pain. According to Debra Herbenick, PhD, a sexual health researcher at Indiana University in Bloomington, being sick is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. So, what causes vaginal pain during sex?

Symptoms that appear in addition to vaginal pain

Although you may only feel it in your vagina during intercourse, the pain can radiate to other parts of your body and be felt at other times.

Pain can also appear in the urethra, bladder and inner pelvis. In addition, pain can also appear during or after sex. The vagina may also feel itchy and hot as if it is burning.

On the other hand, the pain can also recur and appear at certain times or conditions.

You need to see a doctor immediately when pain in the vagina and other parts occurs every time you have sex. Especially if it is also accompanied by bleeding. Do not delay going to the doctor when the symptoms are no longer able to treat yourself.

What causes vaginal pain during sex?

Vaginal pain during sex or afterward can be caused by many things.

The trigger is not always a dangerous disease. Therefore, you cannot equate your complaints and symptoms with those of other women.

Here are some of the most common causes of vaginal pain during sex:

1. Stress and other psychological problems

There is no denying that the busyness of everyday life makes us easily stressed and anxious.

Now, all this stress and anxiety can become enemies in the blanket that destroy the harmony of your bedroom.

The reason is that when you are stressed, you will tend to view all daily activities as negative experiences. Including sex that should make you happy.

In addition, the release of the stress hormone cortisol also blocks the production of hormones associated with sexual arousal such as prolactin, estrogen and progesterone. All of these hormones function to stimulate the vagina to lubricate itself.

When minimal natural vaginal lubrication is produced, sex can be painful.

The solution?

Relieve stress before starting sex. For example, by massaging each other, having a romantic dinner, or even making out through longer foreplay.

Make sure mood You're better before you get into bed to make love with your partner.

If you find that your stress doesn't go away, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or sex therapist.

2. Vaginal problems

Pain in the vagina during sex can be caused by vaginismus.

Vaginismus is a condition that makes the vaginal muscles tighten and close tightly. This makes the penis have to "force" into it so that the penetration process becomes painful or impossible. The pain can be felt during or after sex, and can run deeper into the pelvic area.

In addition, injury to the vulva or vagina due to incisions from childbirth can also be the cause.

In some cases, vaginal pain during sex can be the result of an allergic reaction to spermicidal lubricants, latex condoms, or soap and shampoo products.

Allergic reactions occur because these products usually contain fragrances and harsh chemicals that cause inflammation of the vagina.

The solution?

See a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If allergies are the cause, avoid products that irritate your vagina.

Don't forget to also follow the doctor's advice regarding the right time to have sex after surgery or childbirth.

3. Dry vagina

Vaginal dryness occurs when too little or no lubricating fluid is produced. Automatically, the vagina is not wetted.

When the vagina is not “wet” enough, penetration will be so painful that you can't enjoy the process.

Vaginal dryness is usually caused by:

• Lack of foreplay
• Estrogen levels drop dramatically, especially after menopause or childbirth
• Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and birth control pills

The solution?

Find out in advance what causes your vaginal dryness.

If because of lack of foreplay, take some time making out between the two of you. For some people, kissing, hugging, and even oral sex can be powerful enough to increase sexual arousal. Another thing that can be done to stimulate yourself by watching pornographic films together

The more aroused you are, the better your vagina will lubricate itself. When the blood flows smoothly, vaginal fluids will naturally come out and increase your chances of achieving orgasm

You can also use the aid of a water-based sex lubricant to help lubricate your vagina. Avoid oil-based ones, as they can irritate the vagina and damage the condom you are using.

3. The disease you have

If the cause of pain during sex is disease, vaginal pain may also radiate to the area around the lower abdomen.

Various diseases that make this pain appear, including:

• Vaginal infectioncaused by bacteria or fungi
• Cervical opening problems, for example, an infection or wound
• Endometriosis, the uterine-like tissue that lines and grows on the outside of the uterus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, the pelvic tissue is inflamed and painful when pressed, including during sex
• Ectopic pregnancy, a condition when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus
• Sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts, genital herpes, to trichomoniasis
• Vulvodynia, chronic pain that attacks the vulva including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening
• Skin disease, such as eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus

The solution?

These various diseases generally not only make the vagina sore during sex, but also cause other symptoms.

So consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If the pain in the vagina is accompanied by various symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge and others, do not delay [go to the doctor.

The doctor will run tests to find the cause and provide the most appropriate treatment according to your condition.

The test that is almost certain to do is a pelvic exam. During this process, the doctor will check for signs of infection or abnormalities. A pelvic exam is performed using an instrument called a speculum to be inserted into the vagina.

Tell the doctor about when and where the pain usually occurs other than the vagina. This will really help the doctor determine the location of the most important pain and its cause.

When to see a doctor

If the pain in the vagina that you experience during intercourse is so intense that it is paralyzing, see a doctor immediately. Also check with the doctor if the pain is normal but occurs very often.

If you are not sure where the source of the pain is, discuss it with your doctor.

Your doctor can also help you find out what causes and how to deal with vaginal pain during sex.

Medicines to treat vaginal pain during sex

To deal with the pain, the doctor will of course adjust the treatment to the underlying cause. Therefore the treatment cannot be generalized for everyone.

In general, some of the drugs that are usually prescribed are:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs to treat vaginal problems caused by bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis.

However, the type of antibiotic and its dosage may be different for each problem. Make sure to follow the directions for using the drug as prescribed.

Antifungal

Antifungal medications help treat various yeast infections that attack the vagina. Medicines are usually available in the form of a top, drink, and suppository.

Which type to use will be tailored to your needs. When a fungal infection is treated, the pain will gradually decrease.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can treat a variety of health problems. This drug mimics the body's hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

Corticosteroids come in many forms. However, it is the form of drinking, injections, and lotions that are commonly used to treat vaginal pain during sex.

Estrogen

Estrogen medication is often prescribed to help with vaginal pain during sex due to menopausal symptoms. Tablets, creams, or vaginal rings can be an option for the type of estrogen to reduce pain during sex.

Ospemifene (Osphena), for example, works by making vaginal tissue thicker and stronger. This can help reduce pain during sex.

Apart from this list of drugs, there are many other types of drugs to help treat vaginal pain depending on the cause.

Home remedies to reduce vaginal pain during sex

Apart from doctor's treatment, you can also do a variety of home remedies to reduce vaginal pain, namely:

• Using water-based lubricants during sex
• Pee before sex
• Take a warm shower before sex to make it more relaxed
• Apply ice or cold water to the vulva to relieve the burning sensation

In addition, you can also do Kegel exercises to help reduce vaginal pain during sex. Kegel exercises are performed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

In addition to reducing pain, Kegel exercises can help improve blood flow to the vagina which can facilitate orgasm

Kegel exercises are not as complicated as you think. The way to do this is similar to resisting the urge to pee.

You only need to tighten your pelvic floor muscles for about 3 seconds as if you were holding your pee. Then, relax your pelvic floor again for 3 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times per session. Kegel exercises can be done while lying down, standing, and sitting.

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