Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been in an abusive marriage, so there was a time earlier this year when my partner forced me to make love with him. From that time, I have had no feelings for sex, and if I try to do it, I feel pain in the vagina and lower abdomen.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
The probable causes are post-traumatic sexual dysfunction with associated pelvic pain (involves a complex interplay of physical trauma and psychological factors, resulting in pain during intercourse), vaginismus (spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina), and possible.
To identify the exact cause of the pain and loss of sexual desire, the following evaluations may be helpful. You should do these investigations.
Pelvic examination by a gynecologist to assess vaginal and pelvic structures.
Pelvic ultrasound to rule out uterine or ovarian abnormalities.
Vaginal swab test to check for infections such as yeast or bacterial infections.
Urine test to rule out urinary tract infection.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections if clinically indicated.
Psychological evaluation or counseling assessment to address trauma-related stress or anxiety.
The symptoms described may be associated with vaginismus, involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles due to fear or trauma; dyspareunia (pain just before, during or after sex), painful intercourse from physical or emotional causes, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, post-traumatic stress disorder related to sexual trauma, or vaginal infection or inflammation such as candidiasis or vaginitis (vaginal inflammation).
Treatment includes medical and gynecological management with pelvic examination to evaluate for any physical causes such as infections, inflammation, or pelvic floor abnormalities, vaginal swab and urine tests to rule out infections like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria), or UTIs (urinary tract infections); and pelvic floor therapy or physiotherapy with guided exercises to relax pelvic muscles and reduce pain during intercourse.
Psychological support includes trauma-focused therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or other trauma-informed counseling, support groups connecting with survivors of abuse to reduce emotional isolation, and gradual desensitization with gentle and voluntary exposure to intimacy under psychological guidance when ready.
Symptom management includes pain relief using mild analgesics like Paracetamol for pelvic discomfort if needed, and vaginal relaxation techniques such as warm baths, breathing exercises, or use of vaginal dilators if prescribed by a pelvic floor therapist.
Follow-up should be scheduled with a gynecologist and/or pelvic floor therapist after initial evaluation, and regular follow-up with a psychologist or therapist is recommended to address trauma and sexual dysfunction. Pain, sexual comfort, and emotional wellbeing should be reassessed after treatment interventions.
Preventive measures include avoiding sexual activity until both physical and emotional readiness is achieved, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and maintaining genital hygiene, avoiding irritants such as scented soaps or bubble baths, and ensuring adequate nutrition, hydration, and rest to support general health.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Fousiya Hassan Ali
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.