Sex is great (OK, great is an understatement, but let’s move on), but what do you do when it’s not? Pain during sex is surprisingly common and can happen for a number of reasons. This week, I’m going to break a few down of the most common causes so that you can get back to screaming from pleasure, not pain.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is probably the most common cause of painful sex, but it’s also the easiest to deal with. Vaginal dryness can be caused by the pill or antidepressants (both lower libido) or by inadequate arousal. To remedy the problem, indulge in more foreplay before the act (easy enough) and use a water based lubricant.
Vaginal Infection
If pain is severe or you feel itchy and irritated down there, it could be an infection (like of the yeast variety). If you think you have an infection you should see a doctor. Over-the-counter medicine like Vagisil can help with itching or pain.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is involuntary tightness of the vagina due to contractions of the pelvic floor muscles. If penetration is regularly painful enough to make it nearly impossible, it’s time to see a doctor. There’s no known cause or quick cure for vaginismus; according to Google Health, “treatment involves extensive therapy that combines education, counseling, and behavioral exercises. Such exercises include pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation (Kegel exercises).”
Uterine Problems
If the pain feels like it’s coming from deep in the pelvis, or if you feel like he is bumping into something in there, the pain is likely caused by the uterus. Uterus pain can be caused by fibroid growths, tilting of the uterus, or a prolapsed uterus. Again, you need to see a doctor if this pain is consistent and severe.
All in all, one instance of pain during sex probably isn’t anything you need to worry about, but if sex is consistently painful and adding foreplay and lubrication into your routine don’t help, you should be seeking medical advice. After all, sex should be pleasurable, not punishment (no matter what your Sunday school teacher taught you).



Casey says:
Thu, 19th Nov 200911:03 am
Funny, I didn’t learn that sex was supposed to be punishment in my Sunday school class.
Al says:
Thu, 19th Nov 20091:06 pm
Sunday school teachers taught that non-married sex was punishment, Casey.
Erin says:
Thu, 19th Nov 20091:10 pm
Any way religious BS aside…. I bought water based lube last night, before I read the article. I sure hope it works and it’s safe with condoms and toys! YEY! I think men and women don’t realize how much foreplay a woman needs, hell my boyfriend thinks 5 minutes of laying in bed grabbing my chest and my lady parts is foreplay. It’s not. I think more imaginative foreplay and lube will help if you have a problem also oral helps really get you stimulated for the “big entrance”.
Casey says:
Thu, 19th Nov 20092:34 pm
Wrong! They teach that it’s PunishABLE, not punishMENT.
b says:
Thu, 19th Nov 20094:36 pm
ditto to Casey. I was never taught sex was punishment in Sunday School either…
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