What causes pain during sex?

Sexual intercourse is the spice of life between husband and wife. It is also the ultimate process to promote harmonious relationship between husband and wife and even allow husband and wife to conceive a baby normally. Of course, people should feel pleasure during sexual intercourse, but for some people with special physical conditions, it is common to experience pain during sexual intercourse. So, what are the causes of painful sexual intercourse?

1. Urethritis or inflammation of the urethra

Sexual intercourse causes local stimulation. As the perineal muscles contract, the muscles around the urethra and perineum also contract coordinately, and spasmodic dull pain and discomfort will reappear for a period of time after intercourse.

2. Suffering from vulvitis or vaginitis

There is inflammation in these areas, and there is usually local congestion and swelling. During sexual intercourse, the local congestion becomes more severe. The mechanical stimulation during sexual intercourse and the strong contraction of the vaginal muscles during orgasm can aggravate the pain and discomfort in the genitals.

3. Cervicitis or cervical erosion

Under direct stimulation from sexual intercourse, especially the contraction of the uterine cervix during orgasm, can lead to persistent discomfort in the genitals afterwards, and sometimes a small amount of vaginal bleeding.

4. Lack of lubrication

Poorly lubricated intercourse is a major cause of pain in women, as many women do not produce enough natural vaginal lubrication. As women age 40 and enter menopause, lubrication problems become more common. Oral sex can provide some additional lubrication. Still, any woman who experiences vaginal dryness is best served using a commercial lubricant—and lots of it.

5. Sex without feeling

Most women need a long (about 30-45 minutes) "warm-up" before they can enjoy sex. If a man rushes to "move forward" before a woman is ready, she is likely to feel pain. Women must be given enough time to relax, become aroused, and be ready to receive. Sex therapists recommend spending at least 30 minutes before vaginal intercourse on kissing, cuddling, mutual body caressing, and oral sex.

6. Hormone Disorders

Hormonal changes during menopause and breastfeeding are common causes of painful intercourse. After menopause, due to the decrease in estrogen levels, the vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic, and the lubrication performance decreases, all of which can cause pain during sexual intercourse. During lactation, the hormones that promote milk production also reduce estrogen levels in the body, causing vaginal dryness. Using vaginal lubrication can help women during both periods to reduce pain during intercourse.