PAINFUL PENETRATION – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Painful intercourse is common in men and women. This condition is known as dyspareunia in women and is felt on the vulva or internal organs, including the uterus and pelvis. Men can also experience discomfort during intercourse or penetration, especially on the foreskin, testicles, and prostate gland.

Although most people expect sex to be great, it may come with some discomfort that can consume sexual pleasure. The discomfort or pain experienced is mainly caused by structural and psychological problems. Painful penetration might occur before, during, or after sex. The pain kills the sexual joy, forcing some men and women to avoid sex. The pain can be mild or severe, and it is important to consult with doctors or physiologists to establish the cause and the right treatment. Ignoring this problem can negatively affect your health and general well-being. For this reason, people experiencing painful penetration should act accordingly for better sex lives. This blog discusses the symptoms of painful penetration, its causes, and prevention. In other words, this may be a must-read blog for people trying hard to find the solution for their painful penetration.

Symptoms of Painful Penetration

People with painful penetration are more likely to experience;

•  Intense pain during thrusting
• Burning or itching sensation
• Deep pain during penetration, including when inserting tampons
• Pain at the start of penetrative intercourse

Causes of Painful Intercourse

Painful intercourse can be caused by structural issues and psychological factors. Below are some of the risk factors that can cause painful penetration.

Dryness

Women experience natural lubrication when sexually aroused. However, the amount of lube produced varies from one woman to another. This means that some women get sufficient lubrication while others experience vaginal dryness. Production of insufficient natural lubrication is most common after childbirth or during menopause. This is due to the reduction of estrogen levels, affecting sexual desire and arousal. 

Medication can also affect lubrication, making it challenging for people to experience the pleasures of penetrative sex. Such medication that affects lubrication include; sedatives, birth control pills, antidepressants, high blood pressure pills, and antihistamines. Women experiencing low lubrication should always use lube for penetrative sex. The lubes chosen should be compatible with latex condoms and sex toy materials. 

Infections 

Infections on the vulva or vagina can result in painful intercourse. Penetrations, whether using sex toys, penis, or fingers, can spike the infection, leading to stinging or itching sensations. Vaginal infections that are more likely to cause painful intercourse include monilia or trichomoniasis.

Irritation

Irritation in the vagina can be dangerous. Whether caused by creams, jelly, or birth control foam, vaginal irritation is more likely to cause discomfort before, during, and after intercourse. If these products cause painful intercourse, it is important to substitute them with others from a different brand or completely avoid them. Some birth control foams have the spermicide Nonoxynol-9, which causes persistent irritation. For this reason, be careful with the birth control you buy to avoid inconveniences.

Latex allergy is also a common cause of irritation. This is common to people sensitive to latex products, including condoms, sex gloves, and diaphragms. If one experiences latex allergy, avoiding the products is the best option. Boosting your protection with polyurethane condoms can also be a brilliant move.

Although marketers do not reveal their dark side, feminine hygiene products like vaginal douches, deodorant sprays, and scented tampons can also cause vaginal irritation. Does this mean switching from soaps, body wash, dryer sheets, and laundry detergents to feminine hygiene products is a wrong move? 

Illnesses 

Certain illnesses, such as uterine prolapse, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause deep painful penetrations. What's more, pelvic floor dysfunction, cystitis, retroverted uterus, and hemorrhoids are also likely to cause painful intercourse.

Trauma

People with sexual abuse history can experience discomfort before, during, and after sex.

Unhealthy Psychological Well-Being 

Unhealthy psychological well-being translates to extreme anxiety and depression, which can compromise sexual desire or arousal, resulting in painful intercourse.

First Time Sex

First-time sex can leave you with mild or intense pain. Although most people see it as a big deal, bleeding is normal during first vaginal penetration. The pain or discomfort and bleeding are usually caused by stretching of the vaginal corona, commonly known as the hymen.

How to Prevent Painful Penetration

Painful intercourse can negatively affect your health, productivity, self-esteem, and relationship life. Other than consulting with your doctor, here are some self-help tips that can keep painful intercourse at bay.

Add lubes to your collection of Bedroom Essentials

Lubricants are a great way to ward off dryness and pain. The best option is water-based lubes because they are compatible with latex condoms and various sex toy materials. What's more, these lubricants can help reduce any pre-existing irritation or sensitivity.

Do not Skip Foreplay

Taking baby steps is a great way to achieve maximum sexual satisfaction. Foreplay encourages maximum arousal, thus increasing natural lubrication. Types of foreplay to try include cuddling, kissing, and oral sex.

Move Out of The Penetrative Sex Zone

Since penetrative sex can be painful, it is important to experiment with non-sexual activities, including erotic massage. 

Check with a Registered Sexual Therapist 

Sexual therapy can help identify and solve the causes of painful intercourse, including a history of sexual abuse. Seek professional assistance if you experience bleeding, irregular periods, genital lesions, and vaginal discharge, alongside painful penetrations.

The Bottom Line

Although most people ignore it, pain or discomfort before, during, and after intercourse can negatively affect your productivity, relationship life, and overall health. Therefore, it is advisable to address the issue once the symptoms appear. You can prevent painful intercourse with the self-help tips above or seek professional assistance to address other causes, including the history of sexual abuse.