Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is sometimes caused by underlying gynecologic conditions, such as uterine fibroids as well as adenomyosis and endometriosis. These disorders can affect a woman’s sex life in many ways.
Adenomyosis can cause the uterus to feel tender due to heavy bleeding and an enlarged uterus. Fibroids are associated with “deep dyspareunia,” pain felt deep in the vagina during intercourse due to the location and size of tumors in or on the uterus. Endometriosis can distort the female anatomy, causing organ fusion in certain cases, such as adhering the vagina to the rectum. Penetration can also cause pain by pulling or stretching the irritated tissue.
If you’re experiencing painful sex, a women’s health expert can evaluate you and discuss possible treatment options.
Common Symptoms
Pain during sex can range from mild pain to sharp, stabbing pain to deep, aching pain. Other symptoms that have an impact on a satisfying sex life include:
- Bleeding before, during, or after sex
- Chronic pelvic and abdominal pain
- Lower back pain and pain in the back of the legs
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Loss of libdo
- Constipation
- Weak bladder control
- Negative body image due to bloated, protruding belly
Causes & Risks
By its very nature, sex is penetrative and highly invasive. When combined with the varying side effects caused by gynecologic disorders ad pelvic issues, this can further exacerbate symptoms.
Causes
- Fibroids located in the upper portion of the uterus are more likely to have deep dyspareunia due to intense pressure on the fibroids during penetrative sex.
- Fibroids that hang through the cervical opening at the entrance of the vagina can cause discomfort and pain.
- Additionally, pressure placed on the uterus can worsen symptoms, even causing fibroids to bleed.
- Endometriosis, the presence of uterine tissue outside the uterus, can grow on the surrounding reproductive organs within the pelvic cavity and lower abdomen.
- If endometriosis is behind the vagina in the lower uterus, sex can be most painful.
- Adenomyosis, the presence of uterine tissue in the uterus’ muscular walls, can cause the uterine walls to thicken, leading to a tender, swollen uterus. It’s easy to understand how sex would contribute to further discomfort.
Risks
The debilitating pain of dyspareunia can impact a woman’s sex life and even impair intimacy. It can lead to a decrease in intercourse and loss of libido altogether.
Diagnosis & Care
If you’re suffering from pain during sex, the first step to recovery is receiving a diagnosis. Painful sexual intercourse can occur for a variety of reasons, from structural problems to underlying illnesses. Our top-rated women’s health experts are dedicated to providing you with personalized care and comprehensive medical treatment options.
Viva Eve offers the most advanced treatments for fibroids and adenomyosis, and provides humanized personal care. Our evaluations and treatments are based on thorough examinations plus evaluating each woman’s medical history.
