Page 136 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

134 COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS

Painful intercourse

Many women experience painful sexual intercourse from time to time. Sometimes, the problem is a physical
one: for example, sex is often uncomfortable after childbirth, particularly if you had stitches or a tear, or
after menopause when the vagina is less well lubricated. Vaginal infections and irritations, or simply being
constipated, can also play a part. Vaginal dryness due to lack of arousal is often a factor in painful
intercourse; in extreme cases, a woman may experience spasms in her vaginal muscles that make
penetration difficult or even impossible. Physical symptoms such as these are often due to underlying
psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or previous experience of painful intercourse.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Lubricating jelly (see p.186) Apply a water-
● You have deep pelvic pain during intercourse
soluble jelly to your vagina before you have sexual
● Vaginal spasms and/or emotional problems
intercourse. Alternatively, use a longer-lasting vaginal
may be contributing to painful intercourse
moisturizer that replenishes moisture over several days.
Using lubricants
Long-acting moisturizers are supplied
What you can do yourself with an applicator, which is inserted
into the vagina. Apply jelly with an
If you find intercourse painful, try to identify the applicator or with your fingers.
cause and take the following steps as appropriate.
● Try using a lubricating jelly (see DRUG REMEDIES,
right) if you suffer from vaginal dryness.
● If a certain sexual position causes pain, try
another one. Some women like to be on top, so
that they can control penetration.
● If you think that vaginal dryness might be due
to lack of arousal, talk things through with your
partner. Make sure you spend enough time on
foreplay. Caressing each other without progressing
to full intercourse from time to time will take the Seek further medical advice
pressure off and help you both relax.
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Painful intercourse can make you anxious and
more likely to tighten up the next time you try to ● The pain continues despite treating the
have sex. You may be able to break this vicious cause and using self-help measures
circle by spending more time on foreplay as above, ● You develop other symptoms, such as
soaking in a warm bath, having a glass of wine, bleeding from the vagina after intercourse
and practicing muscle relaxation exercises (see
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, p.21) before you have sex.
● Don’t use douches or perfumed toiletries in case
they cause vaginal discomfort and irritation.
● If you use tampons, check you have not forgotten
to remove one at the end of your last period.