Crestcare Femina Health

Experiencing pain during sex, medically known as dyspareunia, is not uncommon, but it's important to understand that it's not something you should consider 'normal' or endure without seeking help. Several factors can contribute to this discomfort:

​

1. Common Physical Causes and Solutions: One of the most frequent reasons for pain during sex is insufficient lubrication, which can occur for various reasons such as hormonal changes, stress, or not being fully aroused. This can be addressed by using a quality lubricant and ensuring ample time for arousal. Other common causes include vaginal infections or inflammations, like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, which can be treated with appropriate medications. More complex conditions, such as endometriosis or hormonal changes during menopause could also be a cause but require a more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by your doctor.

2. Psychological Factors: Emotional or psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or past traumatic experiences can contribute to pain during intercourse.

3. Relationship Issues: Discomfort during sex can sometimes be linked to relationship problems, lack of trust, or communication with a partner.

​

Remember, your sexual health is an important part of your well-being, and addressing issues like pain during sex is necessary in maintaining both your physical and emotional health.

Vaginal cleansing is a topic that often sparks debate. There are many products out there that may make you think you need to cleanse internally, but it's important to know this isn't necessary and can even be harmful. The vagina is self-cleaning and doesn’t require special soaps or cleansers inside.

​

For daily hygiene, simply clean the external vulva and labia gently with water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. If you have any doubts or concerns about vaginal health or hygiene, it's a great idea to discuss them during your next healthcare appointment.

Because endometriosis can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, and some women might have mild symptoms or none at all, it is often under diagnosed. It's important to note that having these symptoms does not definitively mean you have endometriosis; they can be indicative of other conditions. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis is through a medical examination, which may include imaging tests like ultrasounds and, in some cases, a laparoscopy - a surgical procedure where a doctor looks inside your abdomen to spot endometriosis tissue.

But recognising the signs and symptoms is the first step in getting a proper diagnosis. Here's what to look out for:

1. Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): While it's common to have some discomfort during menstruation, endometriosis can cause severe period pain, which might worsen over time.

2. Pain with Intercourse: Pain during or after sexual intercourse is another common symptom of endometriosis.

3. Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination: You might experience these symptoms particularly during your menstrual periods if you have endometriosis.

4. Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: This can include occasional heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).

5. Infertility: Endometriosis is sometimes first diagnosed in women seeking treatment for infertility.

6. Other Symptoms: These can include fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Please consult your doctor if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly if they're impacting your quality of life.