Painful Sex

Why does sex hurt?

Pain during or after sex is medically referred to as dyspareunia. Doctors believe the causes can range from illness and infection to physiological or psychological problems. It is a common

problem for women, while for men, it is rare.

Causes for painful sex in women:
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, injury to the vulva or vagina, fluctuating hormones due to menopause, lack of sexual arousal, problems with the uterus and ovaries, vaginismus (tightening of the vaginal muscles), irritation or allergy in the genital area usually caused by soaps or latex condoms, pain in the pelvic region, endometriosis, fibroids near your vagina or cervix, and even constipation can cause painful sex in women.
Causes for painful sex in men:
For men, infections like thrush, sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, a tight foreskin or a foreskin with minuscule tears, prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate gland, and pain and swelling in the testicles can lead to painful sex.

Whatever the cause, having pain during sexual intercourse is not just a problem but also a symptom of other underlying ailments. One should not shy away from discussing this problem with a qualified and experienced doctor at the earliest opportunity.