Dyspareunia & Vaginismus – Painful Sex

Dyspareunia is referred to as painful intercourse. Both men and women can experience pain during intercourse but it is more common among women. In women there are variety of factors such as yeast infection, bacterial, and trichomoniasis infections that cause inflammation of the vaginal wall and cause vaginal discomfort during intercourse.

Discomfort intercourse is commonly cause by insufficient lubrication and arousal. Intercourse with insufficient lubrication can irritate the vaginal wall and increase the risk of other vaginal infections. Lubricants jelly can be used temporary to allow for more comfortable intercourse and to ease some of the pain. Women who frequently experience insufficient arousal and lubrication as a result of insufficient hormone can seek medical help from physicians.

The use of contraceptive cream, condoms, and diaphragms may also cause dyspareunia in some women. Some women may experience pain at the opening of the vagina caused by intact or ruptured hymen. Inflammation of the bladder wall can also cause severe pain during intercourse.

Some women may also experience a condition known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, which cause severe pain at the entrance of the vagina. Smegma collected under the clitoral hood may also cause pain during sexual stimulation or moving the hood. This can be prevented by gently washing the clitoris and the hood during bath or shower.

Some women with dyspareunia also experience pelvic pain during intercourse which is cause by stretching of the uterine ligaments. The pain is usually caused by assuming certain sexual positions or during certain times in the menstrual cycle. The pain can be prevented by avoiding such position and taking control of pelvic movement during intercourse.

Another condition that caused deep pelvic pain is endometriosis in which tissue that normally grows on the wall of the uterus gets implanted on different part of the abdominal cavity. The extra tissues prevent free movement of the internal organs and cause pain during intercourse. Birth control pill can be used to prevent the buildup of extra tissues during the monthly cycle.

Gonorrhea infection in the uterus can also cause dyspareunia. Gonorrhea infection is usually accompanied by pelvic pain and caused scar tissue to develop. The buildup of scar tissue can be treated effectively with surgery.

Some men also experience painful intercourse but it is less common compare to women. Some uncircumcised men have tight foreskin that can be painful during erection and this can be treated with minor surgery. Smegma accumulated under the foreskin of uncircumcised men can cause infections and irritation of the glans during sexual stimulation. This can be prevented by having good hygiene and properly washing the glans and foreskin with soap and water.

Another painful condition experience by some men is Peyronie’s disease in which fibrous tissue and calcium deposits in the penis. This can cause pain during erection and it can also cause erection problems that interfere with the man’s ability to have sexual intercourse.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus occurs as a result of involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscle surrounding the vagina. The contraction is so strong that an attempt to insert a penis or a finger into the vagina can be extremely painful for women. Some women who experience involuntary contraction are sexually responsive to oral and manual stimulation and are capable of achieving orgasm.

Some women also experience minor form of involuntary contraction that can be unpleasant and interfere with her sexual interest. Women with lack of sexual interest can cause problems in her sexual relationship. Some of the factors that caused vaginismus may include painful intercourse, physical or sexual assault, feelings of hostility or fear towards a partner.

Some women become too anxious that the pain will occur during the next attempt to have intercourse and this anxious feeling increases the likelihood of her experiencing involuntary muscle contraction. An attempt to overcome the problem by having intercourse with the presence of pain will only make the situation worse and cause the cycle to repeat itself. Women who experience physical pain from vaginismus can learn to prevent the contraction with the help of Kegel exercises and vaginal dilation exercises that can be performed under the direction of a sex therapist.

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