Pain during sex can be upsetting, frustrating, and even lead to tension in a relationship. For women who are struggling with painful sex, understanding the potential causes and available solutions can provide peace of mind.
What Can Cause Painful Sex?
There are several common causes of painful sex, including:
Menopause
During menopause, a woman’s sex hormone levels decline and eventually drop off. Diminishing levels of estrogen, in particular, can lead to painful sex. This is because low estrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to become drier and thinner; dry vaginal tissues increase friction during intercourse, often leading to irritation.
Infections
Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and many STIs can lead to painful intercourse. If you’re experiencing pain during sex, visiting your gynecologist for testing can get to the root of the problem and ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
Lack of Lubrication
A lack of lubrication can lead to excess friction during intercourse, which can irritate the vaginal tissues and cause pain. Whether due to a lack of natural lubrication or a need for additional lubricant, there are multiple ways to address this issue. Treatments to enhance arousal, such as the O-Shot®, may increase the amount of natural lubrication to prevent pain during sex. Thermiva® vaginal rejuvenation also improves lubrication.
BioTE® Hormone Pellets for Comfortable Sex Even After Menopause
For women experiencing painful sex due to menopause or a hormonal imbalance, BioTE® hormone therapy can help. BioTE® hormone pellets are bio-identical and deliver the right amount of estrogen to prevent the thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues. The pellets administer hormones in a steady flow, which stops fluctuations. This makes it an excellent solution to symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including painful sex.
If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, Dr. Hayes at the Visionary Centre for Women can help you achieve relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.