Nearly three out of four women have pain during intercourse at some time during their lives, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And challenges associated with childbirth — stemming from anything from hormonal shifts to scar tissue — can lead to painful sex for new moms specifically. (As if new parenthood wasn’t tough enough!) Thankfully, identifying the root cause and right fix can go far to feeling — and getting it on — better. Here, 10 common causes of painful sex, and what experts say they advise their patients who are grappling with the same challenges. The fix:“Vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding will subside, usually once periods resume,” Dr. Brauer explains. In the meantime, you can try vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. “[Vaginal moisturizer] Replens is actually ideal in this scenario,” says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, and author of A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health. “It’s inserted two to three times a week. It is also a good idea to use a good silicone lubricant, such as Wet Platinum or Replens Silky Smooth.” The fix: Dr. Minkin recommends a product like rePHresh, which is said to balance vaginal pH and moisturize the vagina as well. Target probiotics (like Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Vaginal Care, $29.49, Vitacost) can also help get your pH in check. And if you’re looking for a soothing lubricant that won’t further irritate the vagina and may even help address your symptoms, try coconut oil, which is also said to have antibacterial and antifungal benefits. The fix:“Estrogen creams, in addition to lubrication in attempts to speed up the healing process,” says Dr. Brauer. Other tips: Do your best to relax, leave enough time for plenty of foreplay (to promote your own natural lubrication), and reach for a water-soluble lubricant. If these measures still don’t help after a couple more weeks, you may want to see your health care provider and consider pelvic rehab therapy or Kegel exercises, which can help over time. More from CafeMom: Why a C-Section Could Ruin Your Sex Life The fix: “Vaginsimus is best treated with a detailed history and physical by the ob-gyn, as well as the help of a good pelvic physical therapist who can tailor the treatment plan with the partner,” explains Dr. Alexander. The fix: “If there is a significant psychological component, behavioral therapy and biofeedback can be used in conjunction with physical treatment,” says Dr. Brauer. The fix:“With retroverted uterus, it may be the case that certain sexual positions may feel less painful than others,” says Dr. Alexander. Shoot for ones that allow for more control (like girl on top) or shallower penetration (like spooning). More from CafeMom: What Really Happens to Your Vagina After Giving Birth The fix: Certain positions can be more comfortable than others. Missionary is one to avoid, because the uterus is tilted at its most posterior in that position. On the other hand, you could try side-to-side or doggy-style. You may also find that having sex at different points during your cycle (like from the last day of your period until just before ovulation, when mid-cycle pain may occur) is more comfortable. More from CafeMom: Real Talk: What It’s Really Like to Live With Endometriosis The fix: Treatment depends on which disorder you’re dealing with, so you’ll do best to see your doctor to figure out exactly what’s going on. Most likely, you’ll be prescribed a topical corticosteroid ointment and require time to heal up before getting it on again. The fix: You may want to talk to your doctor about scar tissue release therapy, which is used to break up adhesions, where the scar tissue has attached to ligaments or to the uterine wall. More from CafeMom: The Real Reason Women Should Do Their Kegels The fix: Most treatment revolves around addressing symptoms and depends on what your doctor suspects the root cause to be. Biofeedback can help you relax your pelvic muscles, as could pelvic floor therapy involving vaginal dilator therapy.
title: “10 Common Reasons Sex Hurts For Women How To Fix Them” ShowToc: true date: “2024-08-28” author: “Jeffery Cornelius”
Nearly three out of four women have pain during intercourse at some time during their lives, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And challenges associated with childbirth — stemming from anything from hormonal shifts to scar tissue — can lead to painful sex for new moms specifically. (As if new parenthood wasn’t tough enough!) Thankfully, identifying the root cause and right fix can go far to feeling — and getting it on — better. Here, 10 common causes of painful sex, and what experts say they advise their patients who are grappling with the same challenges. The fix:“Vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding will subside, usually once periods resume,” Dr. Brauer explains. In the meantime, you can try vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. “[Vaginal moisturizer] Replens is actually ideal in this scenario,” says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, and author of A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health. “It’s inserted two to three times a week. It is also a good idea to use a good silicone lubricant, such as Wet Platinum or Replens Silky Smooth.” The fix: Dr. Minkin recommends a product like rePHresh, which is said to balance vaginal pH and moisturize the vagina as well. Target probiotics (like Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Vaginal Care, $29.49, Vitacost) can also help get your pH in check. And if you’re looking for a soothing lubricant that won’t further irritate the vagina and may even help address your symptoms, try coconut oil, which is also said to have antibacterial and antifungal benefits. The fix:“Estrogen creams, in addition to lubrication in attempts to speed up the healing process,” says Dr. Brauer. Other tips: Do your best to relax, leave enough time for plenty of foreplay (to promote your own natural lubrication), and reach for a water-soluble lubricant. If these measures still don’t help after a couple more weeks, you may want to see your health care provider and consider pelvic rehab therapy or Kegel exercises, which can help over time. More from CafeMom: Why a C-Section Could Ruin Your Sex Life The fix: “Vaginsimus is best treated with a detailed history and physical by the ob-gyn, as well as the help of a good pelvic physical therapist who can tailor the treatment plan with the partner,” explains Dr. Alexander. The fix: “If there is a significant psychological component, behavioral therapy and biofeedback can be used in conjunction with physical treatment,” says Dr. Brauer. The fix:“With retroverted uterus, it may be the case that certain sexual positions may feel less painful than others,” says Dr. Alexander. Shoot for ones that allow for more control (like girl on top) or shallower penetration (like spooning). More from CafeMom: What Really Happens to Your Vagina After Giving Birth The fix: Certain positions can be more comfortable than others. Missionary is one to avoid, because the uterus is tilted at its most posterior in that position. On the other hand, you could try side-to-side or doggy-style. You may also find that having sex at different points during your cycle (like from the last day of your period until just before ovulation, when mid-cycle pain may occur) is more comfortable. More from CafeMom: Real Talk: What It’s Really Like to Live With Endometriosis The fix: Treatment depends on which disorder you’re dealing with, so you’ll do best to see your doctor to figure out exactly what’s going on. Most likely, you’ll be prescribed a topical corticosteroid ointment and require time to heal up before getting it on again. The fix: You may want to talk to your doctor about scar tissue release therapy, which is used to break up adhesions, where the scar tissue has attached to ligaments or to the uterine wall. More from CafeMom: The Real Reason Women Should Do Their Kegels The fix: Most treatment revolves around addressing symptoms and depends on what your doctor suspects the root cause to be. Biofeedback can help you relax your pelvic muscles, as could pelvic floor therapy involving vaginal dilator therapy.
title: “10 Common Reasons Sex Hurts For Women How To Fix Them” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-16” author: “Phillip Haley”
Nearly three out of four women have pain during intercourse at some time during their lives, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And challenges associated with childbirth — stemming from anything from hormonal shifts to scar tissue — can lead to painful sex for new moms specifically. (As if new parenthood wasn’t tough enough!) Thankfully, identifying the root cause and right fix can go far to feeling — and getting it on — better. Here, 10 common causes of painful sex, and what experts say they advise their patients who are grappling with the same challenges. The fix:“Vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding will subside, usually once periods resume,” Dr. Brauer explains. In the meantime, you can try vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. “[Vaginal moisturizer] Replens is actually ideal in this scenario,” says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, and author of A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health. “It’s inserted two to three times a week. It is also a good idea to use a good silicone lubricant, such as Wet Platinum or Replens Silky Smooth.” The fix: Dr. Minkin recommends a product like rePHresh, which is said to balance vaginal pH and moisturize the vagina as well. Target probiotics (like Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Vaginal Care, $29.49, Vitacost) can also help get your pH in check. And if you’re looking for a soothing lubricant that won’t further irritate the vagina and may even help address your symptoms, try coconut oil, which is also said to have antibacterial and antifungal benefits. The fix:“Estrogen creams, in addition to lubrication in attempts to speed up the healing process,” says Dr. Brauer. Other tips: Do your best to relax, leave enough time for plenty of foreplay (to promote your own natural lubrication), and reach for a water-soluble lubricant. If these measures still don’t help after a couple more weeks, you may want to see your health care provider and consider pelvic rehab therapy or Kegel exercises, which can help over time. More from CafeMom: Why a C-Section Could Ruin Your Sex Life The fix: “Vaginsimus is best treated with a detailed history and physical by the ob-gyn, as well as the help of a good pelvic physical therapist who can tailor the treatment plan with the partner,” explains Dr. Alexander. The fix: “If there is a significant psychological component, behavioral therapy and biofeedback can be used in conjunction with physical treatment,” says Dr. Brauer. The fix:“With retroverted uterus, it may be the case that certain sexual positions may feel less painful than others,” says Dr. Alexander. Shoot for ones that allow for more control (like girl on top) or shallower penetration (like spooning). More from CafeMom: What Really Happens to Your Vagina After Giving Birth The fix: Certain positions can be more comfortable than others. Missionary is one to avoid, because the uterus is tilted at its most posterior in that position. On the other hand, you could try side-to-side or doggy-style. You may also find that having sex at different points during your cycle (like from the last day of your period until just before ovulation, when mid-cycle pain may occur) is more comfortable. More from CafeMom: Real Talk: What It’s Really Like to Live With Endometriosis The fix: Treatment depends on which disorder you’re dealing with, so you’ll do best to see your doctor to figure out exactly what’s going on. Most likely, you’ll be prescribed a topical corticosteroid ointment and require time to heal up before getting it on again. The fix: You may want to talk to your doctor about scar tissue release therapy, which is used to break up adhesions, where the scar tissue has attached to ligaments or to the uterine wall. More from CafeMom: The Real Reason Women Should Do Their Kegels The fix: Most treatment revolves around addressing symptoms and depends on what your doctor suspects the root cause to be. Biofeedback can help you relax your pelvic muscles, as could pelvic floor therapy involving vaginal dilator therapy.
