Intercourse Shouldn’t be Painful

If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, it can be an indication that something more is going on with your body.

At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, the experienced physicians understand how disruptive painful sex can be to your relationship, your self-esteem, and your general health. With their expertise and cutting-edge diagnostic tools, they can quickly identify the root cause of your pain, so you can receive the treatment you need to restore your sexual wellness.

Why sex may be painful

There are a number of reasons why sex may be painful. Many women experience pain with sex when their hormones fluctuate during:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Menstrual cycles

The physicians at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions that can result in painful intercourse. Furthermore, they can customize a care plan that resolves your pain and protects your overall sexual health.

Evaluating the root cause of pain

Your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will review your medical history and your lifestyle to identify any factors that could be contributing to pain during sex. Your provider will also discuss your symptoms. Some of the most common causes of painful sex can be identified by the type of pain you have or it’s location. Your provider will also use any diagnostic tools necessary to evaluate your condition. Some of the most common causes are the following:

Penetration pain

If you’re struggling with pain or difficulties during penetration, it may be due to:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Vaginal trauma
• Vaginal irritation

You may also experience penetration pain due to a lack of natural lubrication. Due to hormone changes and a loss of estrogen, you may not be able to produce enough lubricating fluids to make intercourse more comfortable.

Deep pelvic pain

If you experience deep pain in your pelvis during intercourse, it can be the result of an underlying condition, such as:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

You may also experience deep pain due to a condition known as uterine prolapse. This condition occurs when your pelvic floor organs fall down into the vaginal canal. Prolapse typically occurs because weak and stretched pelvic muscles are no longer able to support your bladder and other organs, thus causing them to move out of position.

In some cases, painful sex can also be attributed to underlying emotional or psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and stress.

Finding help for painful intercourse

As every woman has unique needs, your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will develop a customized care plan to help you find long-term pain relief. Depending on the type of symptoms you have and their cause, you may benefit from:

• Medications
• Talk therapy
• Pelvic floor exercises

To correct structural abnormalities or address uterine prolapse, your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group may recommend minimally invasive robotic surgery using the innovative da Vinci® system. This type of surgery requires only small incisions to make repairs and stabilize your pelvic floor. If you qualify for surgery, you can expect to heal faster and experience less pain than you might with traditional open surgery.

Whether you need surgery or conservative therapies, your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will work with you closely to improve your sexual wellness.

If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, we can find the cause and give you relief. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.