What Is Considered a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Being pregnant means a lot of changes in your body over a nine month period. It always comes with some level of risk but when does a pregnancy become high risk, and what can be done about it?
Why Am I Suddenly Experiencing Pain During Sex?
Sex can relieve pain but pain during sex (a condition called dyspareunia) is something that can make you less inclined to enjoy it. If you’re starting to experience this problem it can be for several reasons. Learn what causes it, what to look for, and how it can be treated.
If you live in the Las Vegas area and you’re experiencing pain while having sex, Dr. Staci McHale and her experienced staff at WHASN Sunset Valley can help.
Facts about dyspareunia
Dyspareunia refers to pain experienced in your genitals before, during, or after sex. It can occur at initial penetration (entry or intraorbital) or during deep penetration (deep or collision).
There are also primary and secondary variations of the condition in which the former happens the first time having sex, and the latter happens after a period of sex without pain. It can happen in both sexes, but women are far more likely to deal with it, as up to 20% of women deal with it at some point in their lives.
Causes and symptoms
Several factors can lead to dealing with this pain, including vaginismus, vaginal atrophy, vaginal infections, problems in the uterus or cervix, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vulvodynia, and skin problems in the genitals.
Psychological issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression can affect your ability to get aroused which can also lead to this pain. In addition to the pain during entry or during intercourse, you can expect other symptoms like muscle tightness, spasms, burning sensations, pelvic cramping, or throbbing and aching afterward.
Treatment options
Managing the problem is based on the root cause, but can be treated in several ways:
- Preventive measures: several options can help relieve symptoms, like water-soluble lubricants, taking a warm bath before sex, urinating before sex, and pain relievers
- Medications: if infections or other medical conditions are responsible, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antifungal drugs are often used
- Therapies: desensitization therapy can help decrease pain and includes Kegel exercises, while sex therapy can help with any intimacy issues that may cause pain
Other basic things like using protection to prevent STIs and avoiding sex right after pregnancy (you should wait at least six weeks) also help to reduce your risks of this condition. Using foreplay before sex can also help to ease anxiety and naturally relax you.
Painful sex can be difficult to deal with, but it can be treated, and we’re here to help. Make an appointment with Dr. McHale and WHASN Sunset Valley today for dyspareunia relief and more comfortable sex.
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