Vaginal Infection
Certain vaginal infections such as vaginal yeast infections and trichomoniasis are often present without noticeable symptoms. However during sexual intercourse, the rubbing motion of the penis against the vagina and genitalia sometimes causes the symptoms of these vaginal infections to intensify causing stinging and burning. Genital herpes sores are another frequent cause of pain during sex.
See also: A Woman's Guide to Vaginal Infections and Vaginitis
Vaginal Irritation
Many products contain irritants which can cause vaginal irritation leading to discomfort or pain during vaginal sexual intercourse. These include:
- Any contraceptive foams, creams, or jellies
- Allergic reactions to condoms, diaphragms, or latex gloves
- Vaginal deodorant sprays
- Scented tampons
- Deodorant soaps
- Laundry detergents in sensitive individuals
- Excessive vaginal douching
Vaginal dryness often causes painful sexual intercourse. Normal vaginal lubrication is a given for most women; however, during certain times the vagina may be dry and make vaginal penetration painful. Lack of vaginal lubrication can be caused by several factors including:
- Trying to achieve vaginal penetration too fast before enough stimulation has occurred to allow normal vaginal lubrication to take place;
- Feeling nervous or tense about the sexual experience can slow down the release of vaginal lubrication;
- Using a condom may make vaginal intercourse difficult without the addition of a vaginal lubricant such as AstroGlide, K-Y Jelly, and other products. Saliva is an acceptable for vaginal lubrication; however, never use a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline (petroleum products can cause deterioration of condoms and also may create a breeding ground for vaginal infections)
- Hormonal imbalance during menopause or the years preceding menopause can cause vaginal dryness, as can hormonal imbalance following childbirth. This hormonal imbalance is caused by a decrease in normal estrogen levels which can cause the walls of the vagina to become dry. Women experiencing vaginal dryness for these reasons should use one of the vaginal lubrication methods listed above. Women in menopause with severe vaginal dryness should talk to their health care provider about a prescribed estrogen cream to be used vaginally.
See also: Before You Buy Vaginal Lubricants
Vaginal Tightness
Occasionally this happens when you feel tense, or are not fully relaxed when penetration occurs. Difficulty penetrating a tight vagina can happen even when vaginal lubrication is not a problem. Often, the first few times you engage in sexual intercourse, the vagina may be tight due to an unstretched hymen and cause pain at the time of penetration.
Sometimes a more severe condition called vaginismus is responsible for vaginal tightness; women with vaginismus experience strong, involuntary muscle spasms of the vaginal muscles during sexual intercourse or vaginal penetration by any object including fingers and tampons.
Pain of the Clitoris
The clitoris is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia. Gentle touching or rubbing of the clitoris is extremely pleasurable for some women, while for others it is unbearably painful. Clitoral pain may also occur due to poor hygiene; vaginal secretions may collect under the clitoral hood and if not carefully washed away may lead to pain.
See also: The Clitoral Truth
Pelvic Pain
Occasionally a women will experience pelvic pain upon deep, thrusting penetration. Many conditions may cause this pain including:
- Tears in the ligaments that support the uterus (causes include problems during childbirth, inappropriately performed abortion, previous violent sexual intercourse or rape)
- Cervical, uterine, or tubal infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Pelvic adhesions (often the result of previous pelvic surgery or PID)
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine Fibroid Tumors
See also: Pelvic Pain
Vulvodynia is a painful, and often hard to diagnose, chronic condition that causes a burning and/or stinging sensation of the vulva and vagina.
See also: Vulvodynia Questions and Answers
Pain and / or discomfort is never part of normal sexual intercourse. If you experience pain during sex, don't be afraid to tell your partner who has no way of knowing that you're uncomfortable unless you talk about what you're feeling. Also make sure to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.
See also: Top Causes of Bleeding After Sexual Intercourse
Source:
Pain During Intercourse. ACOG Education Pamphlet AP020. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp020.cfm. Accessed 08/21/2009.
