7 Gynecological Conditions That Can Make Your Sex Hurt

Pain and discomfort during sex are familiar to many women. In most cases, your sex can be uncomfortable due to insufficient foreplay or deep penetration. Rough sex and uncomfortable positions can also cause painful sensations. However, there are certain health issues, that can also cause pain during sex. In this article, we have gathered seven gynecological conditions that can make your sex hurt.

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus on the pelvic organs. Many women with endometriosis don't have any obvious symptoms. However, in some women, endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, severe periods, pain during sex, lower back pain, and even infertility. Treatment options for endometriosis can help manage your symptoms but, unfortunately, this condition can't be cured completely.

2. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop on the uterine walls. This condition is extremely common, but most women with fibroids don't experience any symptoms and may even not know that they have them. But some women with fibroids can suffer from pelvic pain, lower back pain, heavy periods, pain during sex, and pelvic pressure. In the case of these symptoms, it is recommended to undergo fibroid removal surgery.

3. Sexually transmitted infections

Even though sexually transmitted infections can develop asymptomatically, many infected women can experience pain during sex, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharges, and many other unpleasant symptoms. It is extremely important to treat STIs in time. Otherwise, they can cause serious complications like chronic pelvic pain, fever, miscarriage, and even infertility. It is also important to understand that your partner or partners should also be examined and treated for STIs if needed. Antibiotics usually can cope with most STIs, but you should always consult a gynecologist before taking any medications.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition that occurs when the infection spreads to the pelvic organs and causes inflammation. This condition can develop as a result of untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis. The most common symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are fever, severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain during sex, and infertility. Most symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can be managed with the help of antibiotics but if you already develop scars and adhesions, they can't be cured.

5. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is a condition in which a woman experiences a decrease in natural lubrication. In most cases, this condition affects women who have reached menopause. However, some women with a hormonal imbalance can also develop it, since vaginal dryness is caused by decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal dryness can cause pain and mild vaginal bleeding during sex. Treatment options for vaginal dryness include hormonal therapy and topical medications that help improve lubrication.

6. Cervicitis

Cervicitis is a condition in which the lower part of the uterus called the cervix becomes inflamed. This condition can be caused by irritation, allergic reactions, sexually transmitted infections, and bacterial overgrowth. Cervicitis can develop asymptomatically or manifest through unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, vaginal bleeding periods, and pain during urination. Treatment options for cervicitis depend on its underlying cause.

7. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman experiences spasms of vaginal muscles during any kind of penetration. This means that women with vaginismus can suffer from severe pain during sex, pelvic exam, or tampon insertion. Even though the cause of this condition is still unknown, many women with vaginismus can benefit from psychotherapy. This can mean that vaginismus can be caused by psychological trauma. Kegel exercises can also be used to learn how to control vaginal muscles.