Why Sex Is Painful Sometimes

An Abuja-based gynaecologist, Dr. Charles
Anoti, said on Thursday that infections and
pelvic tumours are the major causes of
dyspareunia.
Dyspareunia is pain during or after sexual
intercourse due to medical or psychological
issues.
Anoti told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja
that development of a membrane that blocks
the vaginal opening could also contribute to
the health challenge.
He said the pain could be on the external
surface of the genital or in the pelvis if
pressured against the cervix.
The expert said that knowing the exact
location and nature of the pain could help in
identifying its cause and management.
Anoti, however, identified infections that affect
the labia, vagina, as well as lower urinary
tract as factors that could also cause pain
during sexual intercourse.
He said that problems associated with
childbirth such as the absence of a fully-
formed vagina could be a risk factor to the
development of dyspareunia.
Anoti also said that oestrogen deficiency, pain
from bladder irritation, tumours such as
ovarian cyst and fibroid, could also cause
painful sexual intercourse.
He said that tissue injury, such as pain from
surgery or vaginal birth, could also be the
cause of dyspareunia.
Anoti told NAN that endometriosis, interstitial
cystitis, and ectopic pregnancy could pose a
risk of developing the condition.
The physician said that pelvic adhesion and
scaring, inflammation of the genital area and
some medical treatments could cause the
condition.
He said that vaginal dryness and thickened
vaginal hymen also pose the risk to the
development of the condition.
Anoti, however, attributed stress, anxiety and
history of sex abuse as psychological factors
that could contribute to painful sexual
intercourse.
He said that prevention of dyspareunia starts
from knowing the underlying cause, adding
that those with history of sexual abuse should
seek help from a specialist.
Anoti said that decreasing the risk of yeast
infection and applying good hygiene are
important to preventing the condition.
He suggested the use of cotton underpants as
well as changing of underclothes after
prolonged sweating as measures to help
prevent the condition.
The physician also recommended the use of
condoms to protect against sexually
transmitted diseases to prevent the condition.
Anoti also advised women to urinate after sex
to help prevent the condition and to wipe from
front to back after using the toilet to avoid
bladder infection.
The physician advised those with the
condition to see their doctors to get the right
prescription of medications.
He also suggested the use of over-the-counter
lubricant as well as antifungal drugs to treat
yeast infections.
He advised women with endometriosis and
pelvic mass to seek surgical treatment in their
efforts to overcome the condition.
Anoti also advised women to ensure adequate
arousal before sexual intercourse, saying it
was key to drastically minimising chances of
painful sexual intercourse.