Women: Pain During Intercourse? Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

Women: Pain During Intercourse? Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

Sexual health is a large part of a woman’s overall health. Female sexual health is complex and involves many factors, including the psychological, environmental, hormonal, medical, physiological, social and relational areas of functioning.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, almost 75 percent of women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. And for some women, it can turn into a long-term problem.

Pain during intercourse may be due to a gynecologic problem, such as an ovarian cyst or endometriosis. It may also be due to a negative sexual response, such as a lack of desire to have sex or a lack of arousal. Menopausal or hormonal changes are also as a big reason for pain with vaginal penetration.

If you often have pain during intercourse or if the pain is severe, you need to see an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or another health care provider. Your medical and sexual history, signs and symptoms and findings from a physical exam are important factors in determining the cause of your pain.

A pelvic exam or ultrasound may be needed to find the causes for some kinds of pain. Further evaluation may require a laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure in which a medical instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a small incision.

There are also several home remedies women can do to help with pain during sex. These include:

  • Using lubricant: Water-soluble lubricants are a good choice if you experience vaginal irritation or sensitivity. Silicone-based lubricants last longer and tend to be more slippery than water-soluble lubricants.
  • Making time for sex: Set aside a time when neither you nor your partner is tired or anxious.
  • Talk to your partner: Tell your partner where and when you feel pain, as well as what activities you find pleasurable.
  • Take action to relieve any pain or discomfort before intercourse: Take a warm shower or bath, use the bathroom or take over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Relieve any pain after intercourse: Apply ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped in a small towel to the vulva.

All women should have access to knowledge and information regarding their own sexual health and pleasure. UofL Physicians – Women’s Sexual Health Clinic is dedicated to treating a myriad of areas regarding sexual dysfunction. Visit our Women’s Sexual Health Clinic to learn more or call 502-561-7220 to schedule an appointment.

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Article by: Carolyn Palmer Switzer, APRN

Carolyn Palmer Switzer, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with UofL Physicians – Gynecologic Oncology and UofL Physicians –Women’s Sexual Health Clinic. She specializes in women’s cancer care and the impact it has on sexual health, but her practice is not limited to patients with a cancer diagnosis. She sees patients at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, UofL Health – Medical Center Northeast and the UofL Health – Center for Women’s Health at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. Carolyn obtained her bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky and master’s degree in nursing from Bellarmine University. She is a board member for Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky.

All posts by Carolyn Palmer Switzer, APRN
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