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Pain during sex: the possible causes

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Pain during sex: the possible causes
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Vaginal pain during sex is also called dyspareunia. Such pain is often associated with a burning sensation or cramps in the vagina or the abdomen. Generally, the pain subsides after sex, but not always. So what are the causes of such pain, which can be highly disruptive within a relationship?

The most frequent causes for vaginal pain

There are numerous possible causes for dyspareunia:

  • infection of the cervix
  • tearing of the perineum
  • episiotomy (vaginal tears)
  • ovarian cysts
  • endometriosis
  • anxiety causing an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles.

Other causes: vaginismus

In the case of vaginismus, pain free penetration is impossible and the woman experiences vaginal contractions during sex. These close the muscles of the vagina, causing pain that can be experienced as a burning or tearing sensation.

Primary vaginismus

Primary vaginismus is the most common type of vaginismus, and is usually first experienced during the person’s first sexual encounters, while inserting a tampon or during a gynaecological exam. 

Certain women affected by vaginismus feel shame in relation to sex and tend to be generally very modest. They can sometimes have a phobia of sex, and often do not understand their own bodies very well, or may never even have experimented with touching themselves. This psychological vaginismus could be linked to education, religious pressure or social expectations, although it could also be linked to sexual abuse.

Other women have a thick hymen, which can lead to pain during sex, although this is not vaginismus. Consult a professional such as a sex therapist or a psychotherapist if you have any doubts.

Secondary vaginismus

Secondary vaginismus occurs after a period of time in which sex occurred without causing pain. This type of vaginismus can have several possible causes:

  • sexual abuse
  • a psychological shock
  • a partner who is too rough during sex or oral sex
  • a sexually transmitted disease

How to get rid of vaginal pain?

First of all, talk to your doctor, who will guide you towards a specialist such as a sex therapist, a psychologist or a psychotherapist, who will help you treat the psychological causes of the vaginismus.

Although this step may take from a few weeks to a few months, it will help you understand the cause of your pain and help you get your sex life back on track. For example, you may learn to do muscle exercises to help you better understand your own erogenous zones. It is also recommended that you avoid penetrative sex during the first few weeks of psychological treatment.

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