Sex should be an enjoyable experience, but for many women and men, sex can come with pain. Sexual pain is more common than people think, and can be caused by a variety of factors.

The good news is, sexual pain can often be treated with the right treatment and care. Here we will dive into the causes of sexual pain and what can be done to treat it.

What is Sexual Pain?

Sexual pain is any pain that comes from the genital area during sex. Pain can occur in both men and women and can be experienced in different ways. Some women experience pain during penetration, while others experience pain during orgasm.

Men may experience pain during erections or ejaculation. Sexual pain can be highly uncomfortable and can negatively impact sex life and relationships.

Causes of Sexual Pain

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition where the vagina becomes tight and makes penetration difficult or impossible. This condition can be caused by anxiety, fear, or a history of sexual trauma.

People with vaginismus may experience pain, burning, or discomfort during sex.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition where there is chronic pain in the vulva region. The pain can be experienced during sex, when sitting, and during activities that put pressure on the vulva.

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but some possible factors include nerve damage, hormonal changes, and previous yeast infections.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This condition can cause severe pain during sex, as well as heavy periods, pain during bowel movements, and infertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection that affects the reproductive organs. This infection is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

PID can cause severe pain during sex, as well as abdominal pain, fever, and vaginal discharge.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. This inflammation can cause pain during sex, as well as pain during urination, frequent urination, and fever. Prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Other Causes

Sexual pain can also be caused by physical trauma, such as injury to the genital area, as well as certain medications and medical conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Treating Sexual Pain

The treatment for sexual pain will depend on the cause of the pain. Here are some possible treatments:.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help with vaginismus and other conditions by teaching people how to relax their pelvic muscles. The therapist may recommend Kegel exercises, biofeedback, and other relaxation techniques.

Medications

Medications, such as muscle relaxants, pain relievers and antibiotics can be used to treat a variety of conditions causing sexual pain. Topical treatments and hormonal therapy can also be applied when necessary.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for some people with endometriosis or other conditions. The goal of the surgery is to remove the tissue causing the pain.

Counseling

Counseling can help people deal with the emotional effects of sexual pain. A counselor can help people overcome any anxiety or fear about sex that may be causing the pain.

Conclusion

Sexual pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but it is not something that has to be suffered in silence. With the right diagnosis and treatment, sexual pain can often be treated successfully.

If you are experiencing sexual pain, see a doctor or sexual health specialist who can help you find the right treatment for the cause of your pain.