‘Why Women Experiencing Painful Sexual Intercourse Should Be Worried’

 ‘Why Women Experiencing Painful Sexual Intercourse Should Be Worried’

Women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse should be worried as it could be a sign of infection, says a health practitioner, Dr. Amara Nwabulue.

Nwabulue, a resident doctor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Eko Hospital, Lagos, noted that vaginal infections are common and could be the reason for pain during sexual intercourse.

Speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, the physician stressed that women having pain during deep penetration while having sex should worry.

She said, “The vagina is rough and needs some lubrication. That is why we encourage partners to engage in foreplay before having sex. 

“By the time you have foreplay, some fluids are released. It lubricates that area and makes penetration a lot easier.

“Now, having pain during deep penetration could be as a result of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. 

 ‘Why Women Experiencing Painful Sexual Intercourse Should Be Worried’

“PID is an infection of the organs of women’s reproductive system. They include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. It’s usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia and gonorrhoea

“A woman who experiences this will tell you that she doesn’t look forward to having sex because she is having serious pain. That is why women have to worry when they are having pain during sex.”

Nwabulue also counselled women not to joke with vaginal discharge especially those with a foul odour and funny colour. 

According to the physician, this could be a sign of infection, adding that vaginal candidiasis is also very common. 

“Though not all vaginal discharges are caused by PID, whenever any woman has it, she should go and see her doctor to characterise the vaginal discharge,” she said. 

According to Harvard Medical School, many women experiencing pain during sex suffer in silence and don’t seek the help they need, or they have trouble finding a clinician who can diagnose and treat the causes of their pain. 

“Millions of women experience pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse—a condition called dyspareunia.

“This condition not only saps sexual desire and enjoyment, but it can also strain relationships and erode the quality of life in general. For postmenopausal women, dyspareunia may also raise concerns about ageing and body image,” the school said.

An online news portal, WebMD, says intercourse pain can cause problems in a couple’s sexual relationship. 

It stated that in addition to the physically painful sex, there is also the possibility of negative emotional effects, adding that the problem should be addressed as soon as it arises.