Why Is It Uncomfortable When I Have Intercourse?
The bedroom used to be a place where you could freely and openly express your love to your partner. But perhaps your lovemaking has reached a point where it’s causing discomfort. Or maybe sex has always been somewhat painful for you and you’re not sure why.
Why is it uncomfortable when I have intercourse?
We’re sure these words have entered your mind before. You may have wanted to talk to someone about it but were too embarrassed.
We don’t ever want you to feel embarrassed to ask us about these intimately personal questions. A fulfilling sex life is a vital part of a healthy relationship, and if intercourse is causing anxiety or even dread, we need to know about it so we can help you.
You may be surprised to learn that this is not uncommon. Many women find intercourse uncomfortable for a wide variety of reasons. We’ll explore some of those reasons and provide practical advice on how to make sex more comfortable.
Why Is It Uncomfortable When I Have Intercourse?
Getting to the heart of this issue focuses on determining physical, hormonal, lifestyle and even psychological factors that could contribute to painful sex. We’ll look at some aspects of how we approach this issue to help you enjoy making love again.
You Could Have a Dry Vagina
Do you have vaginal dryness? If so, this is a very common cause of why is it uncomfortable when I have intercourse? Issues such as hormonal changes, certain medicines and yes, even stress, can decrease natural vaginal lubrication, making sex difficult.
In some cases, the solution is as simple as buying an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant or moisturizer. Depending upon your individual situation, estrogen therapy may be useful in treating your vaginal dryness.
You Could Have an Infection
While sexually transmitted diseases can cause painful sex, they aren’t the only infections that can make intercourse uncomfortable. Yeast infections or vaginitis –inflammation of the vagina–can be the cause.
If you believe you may have an STD or your partner has told you that they do, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to get tested. Sometimes, STDs don’t show any symptoms until the disease has advanced, and if left untreated, there can be serious consequences.
We want you to know that we offer a “judgment-free” and safe zone for you to discuss the possibility of having an STD and getting tested. Your health is always at the forefront of everything we do.
You Could Have a Range of Physical Conditions
There are a lot of conditions such as fibroids, PID and endometriosis that can cause painful sex.
A physical examination and an ultrasound are some of the ways we determine if you have any of these issues. As OBGYNs in Chapel Hill and Durham, we have successfully treated hundreds of patients throughout the Triangle.
Stress and Anxiety May Be a Contributing Factor
Why is it uncomfortable when I have intercourse? If you’re experiencing nervousness or anxiety related to sexual intimacy, pain may make intercourse something you dread. This is not uncommon in those who have had traumatic or negative sexual experiences.
We know that your mental well-being is an important part of your sexuality. Relaxation is an important part of making sex more enjoyable. Not only will our healthcare providers be glad to help you, but we can let you know about counseling resources that are available.
You May Be Experiencing Hormonal Fluctuations
The postpartum period, birth control, your menstrual cycle, menopause—all of these can affect your sexual comfort. When you schedule your appointment, we’ll examine how these hormones may be impacting your sex life, and we’ll discuss what type of treatment therapy would be best for you.
Your Medication May Be Causing Challenges
First, we want to be very clear: You should not discontinue any of your medications without first speaking to your provider.
But you should be aware that certain medicines, such as antidepressants, can affect your arousal and may make sex uncomfortable.
This is one reason why it’s so important to have a list of your current medications—even over-the-counter or herbal remedies. When we have an accurate list of what you’re taking, we can work in conjunction with your other practitioners to find a solution where you get the treatment you need while making intercourse more comfortable.
Have You Communicated With Your Partner?
We’ve found that the key to a healthy sex life centers around more than the physical. It involves effective communication with your partner. Let them know that intimacy is uncomfortable for you, and what you like or don’t like. Often, they will work with you and support your efforts to find a solution.
Sex Can Be Pleasurable Again By Seeking Care Through Chapel Hill OBGYN
Why is it uncomfortable when I have intercourse? We’ve been through a few of the reasons. But to find an effective solution, we’ll need to speak with you about creating a personalized care plan that will take into account the possibilities we’ve listed above.
We don’t want you to ever be hesitant to talk to us about your sexual health. After all, it’s an important facet of who you are.
We combine the quality, personalized care you’d expect from a smaller practice with the resources you’d have access to through a larger university-based medical center. By bringing you the best of both worlds, we care for all aspects of your health as partners in your care. If sex is no longer bringing you pleasure, or if intercourse is uncomfortable or painful, please contact us today.
The information in this article and the other articles on this site is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.