It is not uncommon to experience some pain or discomfort during sex. However, repeated instances of sexual pain are known as dyspareunia, which can be caused by a physical or psychological issue.
Dyspareunia can occur during intercourse, or a person may continue to experience sexual pain long after intercourse has ceased. While everyone can experience pain issues during sex, dyspareunia is most common among women.
For women experiencing dyspareunia, lack of vaginal lubrication may play a role in the ongoing discomfort. Vaginal dryness often results from low oestrogen levels in the body, which accompanies menopause. In this case, doctors can prescribe an oral medication called ospemifene or topical oestrogen ointments to improve lubrication.
Sexual pain can also be caused by infections, such as certain STIs and bacterial vaginosis. Treating the underlying infection can help alleviate pain during and after sex, while also preventing more serious complications. Men may also experience genital pain as a result of STIs and must seek immediate treatment. Other common causes of male dyspareunia, such as medical conditions and injuries, may require advanced treatment like surgery and physical therapy.
You cannot necessarily prevent dyspareunia from occurring, but there are some ways you can lower your risk:
When dyspareunia results from psychological causes, those affected are encouraged to talk with their partner about the issue. Communication is key to a satisfying sex life, so transparency can be extremely helpful with dyspareunia. Additionally, many people who experience chronic painful intercourse can benefit from seeing a sex therapist.