Sexual Health: How to Address Pain During Intercourse
As any Vulva Doctor will tell you: “Millions of women experience pain before, during, or after, sexual intercourse—a condition called dyspareunia. This condition not only saps sexual desire and enjoyment, it can also strain relationships, and erode quality of life.
Many women suffer in silence and don’t seek the help they need, or they have trouble finding a clinician [GP], who can diagnose and treat the causes of their pain. That is unfortunate, because treatments are available for many of the problems that underlie this vexing condition” [1]. All sufferers have to do, is to book an appointment with a Vulva Consultant
Easy Ways to Manage Vulvar Discomfort and Rev Up Sexual Pleasure
Number 1: Ask Your Vulva Doctor About the Best Lubricants/Moisturisers
Just as with many personal products, there are many choices on the market, but they’re not all good! Some lubricants and moisturisers for example, are made with chemicals which are either toxic, act as irritants, or both. Your Vulva Specialist will recommend good quality, non-hormonal products which should serve to decrease any pain and friction that you feel during intercourse. As a rule of thumb, you apply the lubricant just prior to having sex; whereas you put on the moisturiser more frequently, in order to get some long-term relief. Of note: some women just opt for vegetable oil; however, as your Vulva Doctor will explain to you, the oil can compromise the latex in condoms, thereby weakening them, and reducing their level of protection [1].
Number 2: Experiment With Your Sexual Techniques
Before you have intercourse, broaden your foreplay, so that you boost the level of moisture in your vaginal tissues. Test out all kinds of ways of being intimate, including switching positions. And very importantly, give feedback to your partner, so that they know what makes you feel good; and what makes you feel on edge [1].
Did you know that if you don’t use it, you lose it?
“Frequent sexual activity can help stretch and strengthen muscles and increase blood flow and lubrication. But if intercourse hurts, practice masturbation or different ways of being sexually intimate that don’t involve penetration” [1]
Number 3: Practise Gentle Vulvar Care
Whenever you wash your vulva, either use just plain water, or add some non-perfumed mild soap; and then pat dry. Furthermore, every time you urinate, rinse your vulva with cool water [1]. In addition, be sure to follow your Vulva Doctor’s instructions in relation to:
• Avoiding multi-ingredient, perfumed products such as douches, bubble bath, and some types of sanitary towels and pant liners
• Wearing loose clothing and pure cotton, white underwear [1]
How Will a Vulva Specialist Confirm and Treat My Dyspareunia?
Once you have had your online or in-person consultation with a Vulva Doctor, and they have reviewed your medical history, and asked you pertinent questions; then will then arrange for any necessary tests, and once they have made an accurate diagnosis, they will devise a holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. – This is likely to include both conventional, and the latest cutting-edge treatments and therapies.
Will Vaginal Oestrogen Help My Dyspareunia?
The majority of women who are suffering with vaginal atrophy and sexual discomfort, feel substantial relief after using topically-applied, low-dose oestrogen, numbing agent, which has been prescribed by their Vulva Doctor. This comprises an ointment which is applied to the vagina, both prior to, and post-sex. It important to note that: “vaginal application releases little oestrogen into the bloodstream, so it carries less risk of side effects than systemic oestrogen [1].
Reference
[1]. Harvard Health (2019). “When sex gives more pain than pleasure.”
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/when-sex-gives-more-pain-than-pleasure