Answer:
by Wendy Maltz: ()
Burning pain following intercourse is a serious enough problem to warrant diagnosis by a physician. Please see a doctor to make sure you do not have a vaginal infection, hormonal deficiency (causing a thinning of the vaginal walls), and/or other medical condition that can cause pain with intercourse. Factors need to be addressed, such as how long you have experienced this, how long the intercourse is lasting, how well you are lubicating, etc. to determine the exact cause.
Vaginal infections can result from sexual abuse. When left untreated, vaginal infections can irritate the vaginal wall, causing pain. In addition, sexual abuse can cause anxiety with intercourse. When the anxiety reduces blood flow and lubication, pain can result. Also, some women survivors experience involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles (vaginismus), leading to painful intercourse. In rare instances, tearing and scarring of the vaginal wall during rape, etc., can result in longer term pain. My book, The Sexual Healing Journey, has a chapter devoted to "Solving Specific Sexual Problems" in which I describe treatments for vaginal pain problems. Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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