Sex is a beautiful and natural thing, it’s a pleasure that our bodies have been designed for. But, when it starts to hurt, you’re going to have a hard time dealing with it.
When one experiences discomfort or pain during intercourse, this is often a sign that something is wrong.
Before you start talking about how your partner gave you STD, it’s important that you first reflect on how you feel. For instance, if you’re feeling a burning sensation, do you have any bleeding?
First, it’s important to pay attention to your observations and symptoms. This will allow you to identify the signs of discomfort that may be affecting your sex life. In this guide, we’ll talk about the various problems that can occur when one experiences pain during intercourse, regardless of gender.
Painful sex for women
1. Burning and itchiness
While having intercourse, you may experience the sensation of a burning, accompanied by itching and some discharge caused by yeast infections. This can make sex painful, and swelling in your vagina.
2. Fishy, fishy
If you’re experiencing itching and burning sensations accompanied by a fishy smell, this could be a sign that you have a bacterial vaginosis or chlamydia infection.
3. Deep pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID can cause deep pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis during intercourse. It can also cause fever, unusual bleeding, and painful urination. PID is usually caused by bacteria found in the reproductive organs, such as the cervix and uterus, as a result of childbirth, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
4. Painful position
Your more-than-endowed partner is penetrating you as your legs are lifted up. As a result, you may experience deep pain in every thrust. The only solution is to position yourself more comfortably.
5. Dry spell
If you’re experiencing a feeling of dryness in your vagina, this could be caused by menopause or other conditions. However, if you’re in your 20s, this could be caused by taking birth control pills or taking decongestants.
6. Throbbing pain
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain and cramping, and it can also make your periods heavier.
7. Pain and urination
If you’re experiencing severe pain during intercourse and can’t focus on the deed because you’re always thinking about urinating, then you might have interstitial cystitis. This condition is characterized by intense pressure on the bladder.
8. It’s sharp outside
If you’re experiencing pain that’s sharp and localized on the outside portion of your vagina, it’s important to take a mirror to taker a look. It could be caused by an ingrown hair, acne, or skin irritation. Rubbing against these bumps during intercourse can worsen the situation.
9. Stabbing pain
Even though your partner hasn’t penetrated your vagina yet, touching it can cause you to feel a stabbing pain. Vulvodynia is a condition that affects the tissues located around the entrance of the organ. Apart from sex, you might also experience painful effects from wearing tight pants and exercising.
10. Shut up
The painful condition known as vaginismus can make sex incredibly uncomfortable. It occurs when the muscles in your pelvis tense up, effectively shutting your vagina during penetration.
11. Off-limits
Since you’re unable to have sex or insert anything in your vagina due to the pain, it’s likely that you’re either a virgin or your hymen is partially intact. With a band of membrane across the inside of your vagina, penetration can be painful.
How to Make Sex Less Painful for Women
Your doctor will carry out an internal examination and talk about your sexual history. If he or she suspects bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection, then they will take a sample of your discharge and examine it under a microscope. They will also check the pH level of your vagina. Yeast infections typically have a normal pH, while bacterial vaginosis usually results in a too-high pH.
The doctor will examine your vulva and vagina for any lesions that may be contributing to your discomfort. In addition, you may be tested for STDs through urine or vaginal swabs.
Depending on the cause, treatment options can vary.
- Topical estrogen creams: If you’re experiencing inflammation and/or vaginal atrophy, then estrogen creams may be helpful. They can help restore the elasticity and thickness of the skin on your vagina.
- Antibiotics: If you’re infected with an STD or bacterial vaginal infection, antibiotics can cure the condition in just two weeks.
- Antifungal creams or tablets: If you’re suffering from a yeast infection, then your doctor may prescribe a pill or cream to treat the condition.
Painful sex for men
Watch out for these signs when you’re experiencing either painful or uncomfortable feelings under your belt during intercourse or urination.
1. Swollen balls
When you start feeling pain while urinating, your balls may become swollen, and you may also have penile discharge, which could be a sign that you have chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection.
2. Yellow or green?
Also, if you have swollen balls and a yellow or green discharge from the penis, you might be infected with gonorrhea.
3. Blisters
The itching, burning, and tingling sensations experienced by people with the herpes simplex virus can be accompanied by blisters on their genitals. This condition can also affect women.
4. A little sore
If you’re experiencing a painless or firm sore on your penis, lips, or anus, then you might be infected with syphilis. Although you won’t feel any pain during sex, you’re still at risk of acquiring HIV due to this condition.
5. Lack of lubrication during sex
Without lubrication, both partners can experience soreness. Some women have a natural supply of vaginal or anal lubrication, while others need extra lubrication during sex. With a lot of friction caused by thrusting, the skin on the vagina often becomes dry.
You can find various types of lubricants at supermarkets, pharmacies, or online. If a woman is experiencing vaginal dryness, this can be caused by various factors such as hormone changes or not being aroused enough. Having more clitoral and foreplay can help alleviate this issue.
6. Pain on ejaculation
Prostate gland swelling can lead to painful ejaculation and prolonged penile penetration. This condition is known as chronic prostatitis.
When ejaculation and orgasm have completed, it is normal to experience a sensitivity to the end of the penis, also known as hypersensitive glans penis.
If this issue is severe, it can lead to various sexual problems, such as loss of pleasure. Having a doctor talk to about desensitising the area can help decrease the discomfort.
7. Foreskin problems
A tight foreskin can cause pain during intercourse. When the foreskin is pushed back, this can result in painful intercourse. Also, tears in the foreskin may cause soreness or stinging pain.
Don’t suffer in silence
When you’re experiencing painful conditions in the genital region during intercourse, it can make you feel embarrassed or scared to inform your partner or healthcare provider.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, then you’re probably infected with an STI, which means that you’re at risk of spreading the infection to your partner. However, if it’s a non-sexually transmitted condition, then it could be considered a serious medical issue. Having it checked by a doctor can help you get the treatment and support that you need.
You must be aware of your body at all times and observe painful sensations during intercourse, which could be caused by STIs or other health issues. Set aside embarrassment, and make an appointment with your doctor.