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I experience intense pain during sex. Please advise on the problem.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sameer Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 29, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 9, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I need some advice on an ongoing problem that has my doctor stumped. I am experiencing intense pain during sex, to the point that it often entirely prevents intimacy. This has been going on for about 12 months. The pain is consistently in the same spot, just behind my hymen to the right. It is not cervical or abdominal, does not shift, and is not linked to any vaginal contraction. It is worst immediately upon penetration. I am a lady with a very high pain tolerance, but initial penetration has me screaming/throwing my partner off me at the moment. If I am able to battle through the first minute or two, it starts easing. I am not generally intensely sore (beyond the usual little ache) after sex, and the whatever-it-is does not usually make itself known outside of sex (even when I sit down hard/use the bathroom), although there have been perhaps four to five little twinges over the past 12 months when I have been walking around.

I have had two doctor's appointments about this previously. On the first, I went through full STD testing to eliminate a disease or infection, but all tests came back clear, including BV. On the second appointment, I went in for a pap-smear and visual inspection of the spot. Pap smear was negative, and the doctor was only able to say that she could see a 'pink irritated area' in the location. I described the pain as being centered - no cysts/polyps/tumors/notable textural difference/cuts/scarring/injury to my hymen. I am self-lubricating relatively normally and using lubricant when I do not. I am not experiencing any contractions upon penetration. The painful spot is consistent whether I am with a partner/using a sexual aid/touching it with my fingers. It does seem to ease somewhat when it has been seven or more days since I have had a sexual encounter, but every time after the first time following a break it is as painful as ever.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

What you seem to be suffering is from vaginismus where the pain is related only to the initial penetration and not due to any organic cause. The cause of vaginismus is either the vaginal muscles are too taut, or you are not sexually excited enough before the act. And also, the vaginal opening may be slightly small. So, I suggest using alternatives to widen the opening before penetration is practiced. This problem generally goes away after delivery when the vagina is stretched. So, the same can be mechanically applied in privacy and am sure you would be benefitted.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sameer Kumar
Dr. Sameer Kumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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