For example, endometriosis is a painful medical condition that can effect women and must be diagnosed by a physician. If left untreated, it can cause a woman a great deal of pain during intercourse. [2] X Research source Other medical causes of painful sex include eczema in sensitive areas, vaginismus or spasms in the vagina, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or scarring from surgery. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Do you have pain during penetration or only during thrusting? Does the pain last after sex? Does the pain throb, burn, or ache? Is this a new pain or an old condition?
Some of these treatments can be highly successful with up to 75 percent of patients stating that their sexual pain lessened. [6] X Research source Menopause, birth, breastfeeding, and polycystic ovary syndrome can all affect your hormones, leading to painful sex.
For example, men and women can both suffer from cystitis, which is a bladder infection that can cause pain during intercourse. Another common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Visit your doctor get a prescription for an antibiotic.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted in the past, it is probably a good idea to talk with a counselor. This will help you to find pleasure, instead of pain, from sex. [10] X Research source
Sometimes it also helps to give voice to your fears. You might tell your partner, “I’m nervous about this, so I may need to relax more. ”
You’ll want to think about what type of environment is relaxing to you. Some people prefer candles and soft lighting, whereas others like music on in the background.
For example, you might say, “I’d really like to start off slow. ” Or, “I will relax more if we turn off the lights. ” If you have some sort of health problem, such as endometriosis, it is a good idea to make your partner aware of this as well. Be open and don’t be afraid of rejection. Your partner may be able to brainstorm ways to make sex better for you. [14] X Research source
Getting healthy and losing weight has also be associated with a decrease in the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for women. For men, losing weight can balance out testosterone levels, leading to better sexual performance.
If sex is painful, there is nothing wrong with stopping and trying again at another point. It is best to avoid the “let’s get this over with” mentality.
If increased intercourse is not an option, many people see a lessening of pain if they try masturbation or other sexual practices aside from penetration. [18] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
For example, try out different degrees of touch pressure. Intermix soft touches with more forceful caresses.
Many people find lubrication especially helpful if you are having sex with a condom. [21] X Research source
To reduce spine pain, medical experts often recommend the missionary position as it allows the person laying down to put a towel or some other soft item under the curvature of their spine for support. [23] X Research source
If you discover that a certain product causes irritation to your skin, you can always avoid it or find a product alternative. For example, people with a latex allergy often use natural lambskin condoms. [26] X Research source
