Painful Sex

Women experiencing painful sexual intercourse may experience both physical and emotional changes. This condition is often called dyspareunia, and can greatly disturb a couple’s intimate relationships and have negative emotional effects.

Menopause Treatment Chicago IL

The primary cause of painful intercourse is a lack of lubrication. A simple resolution to this is longer foreplay, relaxation, and the use of lubricants during sexual intercourse. However, the discomfort may be a symptom of a more concerning problem, and may signify conditions such as:

  • Menopause
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Problems with the cervix, uterus, or ovaries
  • Endometriosis
  • Vaginal infection
  • Vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Vulva or vaginal injury
  • Vulvar dystrophy
  • Sexually transmitted diseases

In most cases, the concerns related to painful sex do not require much medical intervention unless it is a result of another condition. The first course of action is to ensure there is no other medical concern that may be causing the pain, and to start with recommendations of using lubrication and engaging in longer periods of foreplay before sexual intercourse. Patients who are going through menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness may benefit from lubrication, estrogen creams, and prescribed medications to increase pleasure during sex. Communication with their partner or a sex counselor can be considered if there are emotional concerns tied with intercourse.

Patients can find natural ways to reduce vaginal dryness during intimate acts with their partner. Women are encouraged to consume adequate amounts of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into their daily diet, drink plenty of water to keep their body hydrated, and use all-natural, water-based lubricants. Products that can reduce natural moisture in the vaginal area, such as douches, deodorants, soaps, and feminine sprays, should be avoided.

Dr. Gandhi understands that discussing one’s sexual intimacy with their partner to a medical professional may be embarrassing and uncomfortable. However, with proper communication with Dr. Gandhi, patients can find relief and improve their sexual relationship with their partners. He offers a comfortable, discreet atmosphere and builds trusting bonds with his patients to ensure they are able to speak about their health concerns comfortably, openly, and honestly.

Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology is here to help. Contact his practice today to schedule a consultation appointment and learn more about how he can help improve your pelvic health today!

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.
Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology

Conditions affecting the female pelvis are the focus at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology. We provide effective solutions for these problems from our offices at Park City, Woodstock, and Lake Forest in Illinois.

Our team is headed by Sanjay Gandhi, MD, Urogynecologist. Dr. Gandhi’s specialized education included a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Northwestern University and a three-year urogynecology fellowship. He is among a few in the country to pass the first examination in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also teaches healthcare students.