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Question:
I am 19 and I have been dating my boyfriend for just over two years. About 6 months ago we made plans to be married, with a long engagement, and we are very happy together. He is my best friend. Also about six months ago we began having sex. Our relationship has still been great, and so has our sex life. Up until about 5 or 6 days ago. I ended my period last week, and a few days following we had sex and it felt awkward and painful. I figured that maybe since it had been awhile (a few weeks), that I was just getting used to it. But only two days later the problem was still occurring. It wasn't until today that I thought that maybe something could be wrong. We wear protection ALWAYS, and I am on the pill, and could the condom provide that discomfort and aching? Or could it be a health issue?
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Answer:
by Rajendra Sathe: ()
These are the common reasons why women report of pain during sex.
1. Insufficient lubrication: If your natural secretions of lubrication are not enough the friction of a penis in your vagina could be quite painful. Using a lubricant like Astroglide would surely help. In your case this could be the most probable cause as women generally lubricate to a lesser extent immediately after the menstrual cycle. In addition, as you are practicing safe sex and your partner is using a condom it may also, at times, cause irritation and bruising. Occasionally, even lubricated condoms can cause such a problem. You should use additional lube.
2. Tightness in the vaginal entrance: The first few times you have intercourse can cause pain. And whenever you are tense and preoccupied, the vaginal entrance is not likely to loosen up enough, making penetration hurtful. If, due to haste, your partner tries to get the penis in before you are fully aroused and lubricated, you might still be too tight. The forceful entry can then cause bruises to the internal vaginal wall and cause tenderness and pain during subsequent intercourse attempts. This could also be a reason in your case. In either case (1 or 2) wait for a week, allow the body to heal and the problem should not bother you.
3. Local infection: Some vaginal infections can be present in a non-acute, visually unnoticeable form. Friction during intercourse can cause the infection to flare up.
4. Painful penetration -- Vaginismus: This is a strong, involuntary tightening of your vaginal muscles -- a spasm of the outer third of your vagina that makes entrance by the penis acutely painful. This can be physically or psychologically based and is commonly seen in virgins or women who have recently become sexually active. Women who have been sexually abused also report of vaginimus. For obvious reasons, this is least likely in your case.
If you find that the pain with intercourse does not diminish at all over time, then seeing a doctor is the best option. He/she can determine whether or not you might have a local infection, such as a yeast infection; or from a reaction to a birth control product, like condom, spermicidal jelly, foam, or lubricant; or vaginismus.
Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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