Because sex is one of the factors in a relationship, many couples get along well in every way… but are unhappy with their sex life! For example, experiencing “pain during intercourse” is one of the common bedroom problems. Two out of three cases occur in women of reproductive age. No matter if they try changing positions or reducing intensity, the pain during penetration does not decrease. So how can this problem be solved? Here is the solution we want to recommend, which corresponds to every stage of sexual intercourse as follows:
- The stage of sexual desire arousal
- The stage of stimulation and foreplay: when the woman becomes more sexually aroused, the vagina and genital organs release secretions to lubricate the area. The vaginal muscles relax and open, the clitoris (G Spot) enlarges, and the uterus is lifted, causing the vagina to stretch.
- The orgasm stage: this is the peak response of the body and mind, with strong contractions of the uterus and vagina.
- The relaxation stage: the organs return to their normal state.
It can be seen that among these four stages, the second stage, the stimulation and foreplay stage, is the most important because it prepares the female genitalia to allow penetration by the male genitalia for sex. If this stage is not ready, pain or discomfort may occur during sex. Therefore, those who have problems may need to spend enough time in the second stage before penetration. However, if the pain problem still cannot be resolved, further observation should be made as follows:
Where can the pain occur?
Superficial pain symptoms
- Pain in the external female genitalia: there is a burning sensation, often caused by lack of arousal, irritation from chemicals, soap, cosmetics, medications, cysts, inflammation, or from scars that have not fully healed.
- Pain inside the vagina: the most common cause is vaginal dryness, which may result from inadequate stimulation during foreplay, so arousal does not occur quickly. Sometimes it may be caused by applying certain medications that cause irritation and dryness, vaginal infections from pathogens, vaginal dryness due to hormonal deficiency during menopause or shortly after childbirth, and during breastfeeding. Vaginal pain may also be caused by fear of intercourse, such as worries about pregnancy, previous painful sexual experiences, or past sexual assault. Treatment may involve the above methods alone or combined with psychological therapy.
Deep pain symptoms
- Pain in the pelvic area: this is the lower abdomen area and may radiate to the back or tailbone.
Did you know? Pain during sex… may be caused by psychological factors
If we feel anxious, fearful, or stressed, it may reduce sexual arousal, causing pain during sex. Therefore, the mind is important. If the mind is not ready, it means our body is not ready either. Especially if there are conflicts with a partner, a bad relationship, or issues affecting trust with a loved one, it will definitely affect sexual desire.
How to reduce or prevent pain during intercourse?
Use water-based lubricants or water-soluble gels. Avoid oil-based lubricants made from petroleum as they may cause irritation or damage condoms, making them break easily.
If you experience pain during intercourse, try to observe whether it is due to emotional or physical unpreparedness. If unsure, consult a doctor promptly to find the cause and resolve it as soon as possible, because sexual problems can become major issues in a relationship in the future.
