Pain during sex is no fun for everyone involved. Also known as dyspareunia, it can feel like a stabbing pain in the vagina during sex. It can also feel like burning, itching, or throbbing, and some women describe it as feeling “raw.” Whie the pain ranges from mild or moderate to severe, this condition can make intercourse very painful and may cause problems with sexual desire and relationships.
One of the most common reasons for dyspareunia is endometriosis. In this blog post, we will share all about this syndrome and the things you can do to ease the pain.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. However, in rare cases, it may also affect other organs in the body, such as the lungs or brain.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, which means that it can last for many years. In some cases, it may even be a lifelong condition. It is also a progressive condition, which means that it can get worse over time.
Some other symptoms of endometriosis include pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pelvic pain, infertility, and fatigue.
Why is Sex Painful With Endometriosis?
Painful sex is often an unfortunate side effect of endometriosis. This is because the tissue growths can irritate the pelvic nerves and also cause inflammation and scarring. All of these contribute to an uncomfortable and painful sensation, especially during intercourse.
Ways to Ease the Pain
While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are still things you can do to help manage the pain and other symptoms.
1. Take pain medication
You may be able to reduce your pain by taking over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Panadol before doing the deed – at least an hour before.
2. Plan ahead
In general, most women with endometriosis find that their pain is cyclical and related to their menstrual cycle. Start by tracking your menstrual cycle and even journaling your symptoms. This will help you identify the best pain-free window for sex with your partner.
3. Communicate with your partner
Couple communication is important for many reasons. It can help keep both partners on the same page regarding expectations, goals, and needs. Additionally, timely communication can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a space for both partners to openly express themselves.
Likewise, it is also important for you to voice out your discomfort and symptoms to your partner when it comes to sexual intercourse.
Be Pain-Free Today
If you are experiencing severe pain from endometriosis, it is important to speak with your doctor so that you can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Endometriosis and painful sex is not the death of an intimate relationship, and there are medical ways to give you a helping hand.
One such option is a laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the pelvis. The doctor can then examine the reproductive organs for any abnormalities that may be causing painful sex.
With the help of a fertility specialist at The O&G Specialist Clinic, our doctors in Singapore will assess the severity of your condition and propose a suitable customised treatment plan for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to find out how we can help.
