6 Surprising Reasons for Pain During Sex

Pain during sex is a very normal occurrence for most women.  75 percent of women have had painful intercourse at some point in their life, with a considerable majority of these women suffering from persistent or chronic pain.

It is not typical to have pain during intercourse. Pain during sex has simply become so ingrained in our cultural lexicon that women and people with vaginal protrusions have grown to accept it as a part of life. This is not acceptable, and we can change the dialogue by having more conversations about sexual health, providing better sex education to both children and adults, and cultivating medically accurate knowledge.

So here are five reasons why sex might become painful suddenly (or over time) and what to do about it:

1. Lack of Lubrication 

One of the most common reasons for pain during intercourse or penetration is a lack of lubrication. When the vaginal canal is appropriately stimulated, it swells and gets wet, permitting access. Penetration of the vaginal wall can be uncomfortable and even painful if you aren't adequately prepared for intercourse. Dryness in the vaginal area can cause tears, abrasions, and even infections. 

It's critical that your vagina is prepared for penetration before you try it. It can beneficial to use a water-based lubricant and participate in non-intercourse play such as masturbation or oral sex before intercourse, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Schedule time for sexual play so that you don't feel pressured.

2. Damage to The Pudendal Nerve 

The major nerve connecting the perineum to the outer genitals, urethral sphincter, and anal sphincter is the pudendal nerve. It is responsible for a variety of functions, including communicating brain signals to the vaginal-clitoral network and vice versa. Pain during intercourse, vaginal or vulvar numbness and pain in the perineum or anus are all symptoms of damage to this nerve.

Vaginal trauma, traumatic birth, incorrect form during exercise or yoga, prolonged sitting, and episiotomy are all causes of harm (when the perineum is cut during vaginal childbirth).

3. An Undiagnosed STI 

While 80 percent of people with a sexually transmitted infection are asymptomatic, you could have an undiagnosed STI if you have a rapid onset of discomfort during sex, bleeding, burning, abnormal discharge, or a combination of these symptoms. STIs like HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can cause pain during sexual activity. If you're experiencing persistent pain during sex, you should get tested for STIs as soon as possible.

While most doctors advocate being tested every six months to a year, if you're not in a monogamous relationship and know your partner's current status, I recommend getting tested every eight weeks. Take care of your health and don't take it for granted.

4. Cervical Sensitivity or Growths 

Between the vaginal canal and the uterus, the cervix serves as a gatekeeper or barrier. The os, or aperture of the cervix, is susceptible to sensitivity. Deep penetrative or rough sex can cause bleeding and discomfort in the cervix in some women with vaginas. 

While this is quite frequent, there is a chance that underlying cervical concerns are present. Make an appointment with your OB-GYN to rule out an HPV infection, cervical inflammation, or cervical polyps if you're concerned.

5. Chronic Pain Conditions

If you're having sudden, persistent pain, it's probable that you have a chronic pain-causing illness like endometriosis, chronic vulvodynia, or pelvic floor spasms, to name a few examples.

Since the two are frequently intertwined, it's difficult to draw a clear boundary between acute and chronic pain. Conditions such as vulvodynia, vaginismus, and/or dyspareunia may appear out of nowhere. There are a variety of causes for this: Pain could be related to depression or environmental stress, or it could be the result of a past trauma that has been shown physically.

6. Psychological Factors 

Vaginal pain and psychological issues might have a complex relationship. Many vaginal disorders (such as vaginismus and vulvodynia) have roots in both the psychological and physical realms. This is why these disorders are frequently observed in women who do not appear to have a physical problem with their vulva or vaginal area.

Trauma or pain can be stored in our vaginal (and physical) tissues, allowing it to appear in a physical way apparently out of nowhere. The autonomic nervous system, which sends signals of sexual feeling to the brain and from the brain to the vaginal-vulgar network, is involved in the physical pain response. The fight-or-flight response is also controlled by the autonomic nervous system.