Sex shouldn't be painful, no matter what kind of genitals you have. Pain during sex is a common problem that can affect both women and men, but is especially prevalent in women. In this post, we will look at what causes sexual pain, what vaginismus is, and how we can deal with these problems. Note that the known information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

What is sexual pain?

Anyone can experience pain during subsequent sex, but if you have a vulva and are experiencing pain, it could be due to any of the following:

1. Insufficient arousal
Maybe you weren't fully aroused and rushed the penetration before your body was ready. This is often felt as pain around the entrance to the vagina because the muscles and tissues are not relaxed enough.

2. Lack of sufficient lubrication
It is important to remember that vaginal discharge is not a substitute for lubricant. Insufficient moisturizing can lead to a burning and rubbing sensation that causes discomfort. The lack of lubricant leads to too much friction, which can cause painful stretching of the skin.

3. Anxiety and tension
If you are very anxious about penetration, it can cause your pelvic muscles to contract involuntarily, making penetration painful or even impossible.

Vaginismus: What is it and what causes it?

Vaginismus is a condition in which involuntary muscle spasms occur in the pelvic floor, making penetration into the vagina very difficult or impossible. This condition can cause severe pain during the following activities:

- Inserting tampons
- Penetrating sex (fingers, sex toys, penis)
- Medical examinations (e.g. HPV screening)

Symptoms of vaginismus

If you have vaginismus, you'll feel pain during all forms of penetration, whether it's sex, a medical exam, or inserting a tampon. The pain can range from a sharp pain syndrome to a burning or tightening sensation. In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to emphasize to a professional - gynecologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist or sex therapist.

Causes of vaginismus

Vaginismus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Past sexual traumas
- Fear of pain
- Anxiety
- Certain medical conditions, such as infection or inflammation

Treatment of vaginismus

Treatment of vaginismus is possible and may include different approaches:

1. Pelvic floor exercises
A pelvic floor physical therapist can teach you exercises that will help relax the muscles and relieve pain.

2. Psychological support
A sex therapist can help address psychological barriers associated with fear of pain or minimal traumatic experiences.

3. Relaxation techniques
Deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help you relax and reduce tension in the body, leading to relief of vaginismus symptoms.

How to deal with sexual pain?

Sexual pain is a problem that can be managed with the right support. In addition to professional help, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain:

1. Communication with the partner
It is important to tell your partner if you experience pain or discomfort during sex. They need to be patient and supportive. You should never endure pain during sex, as this can create a negative association in your brain associating sex with pain.

2. Start slow
Hasty penetration can cause discomfort. Take time to build arousal through sensual touches or outside sex (no penetration) before moving on to penetrative activities.

3. Practice relaxation techniques
Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help you relax and reduce tension in the body, which can help relieve sexual pain.

4. Use lubricant
Lack of lubrication can lead to discomfort during sex. Use a water-based or silicone lubricant to reduce friction and facilitate penetration.

Conclusion

Sexual pain is a common problem, but it is extremely important to address. You should not be afraid to seek help from specialists - from sex therapists, pelvic floor physiotherapists and gynecologists. Patience and communication are key factors in coping with pain and returning to the pleasure of intimate relationships.

Remember that there is no "normal" amount of pain during sex and you should never accept it as part of your sexual experience.