Vaginal Soreness And Vaginal Dryness After Intercourse
Sex is often one of life’s most pleasurable activities. However, for some women, the enjoyment they gain from sexual intercourse is limited by vaginal soreness and dryness following sex. This can impact the sex life of you and your partner and may require you to see a women’s health consultant.
Stinging and irritation can ensue when the extra sensitive skin around and inside your genitals is pushed out of balance. While this is primarily harmless, it can also be a sign that something more serious is going on. Experiencing stinging sensations or the feeling that you need to urinate even when your bladder is empty? Consult the following guide and check what may be ailing you.
Causes of Vaginal Soreness
Most reasons for pain after intercourse are completely normal. These are completely natural in most cases, but it helps to become properly informed. If you’re experiencing vaginal soreness or vaginal dryness after sex, you may be experiencing symptoms related to the following causes.
Non-Serious Causes
Lack of Lubrication can result in microscopic tears in the vagina. While vaginal moisture is present during intercourse, sometimes this won’t be enough to avoid pain and discomfort, even infection.
Allergies may flare up in the presence of latex condoms or lubricant oil. If you experience pain after intercourse, burning, rashes or itching, it’s worth consulting an OBGYN to discuss your options.
Prolonged or Vigorous Sexual Activity can cause the vaginal tissue to become inflamed, especially if there isn’t enough lubricant present. Pelvic pain may be experienced also. An inflamed vagina may be recognised alongside pain or discomfort around the vulva or inner vagina.
Tightened Kegel Muscles can occur as a result of too much exercise, cycling in particular. If the kegel muscles are super tight, pain during and after intercourse may occur. It’s a worthwhile activity to work on relaxing your kegel muscles. Talk to your OBGYN about reverse kegel exercises.
Menopausal women have a reduced amount of available natural lubrication. Menopause may be the reason why you’re experiencing vaginal soreness and dryness after sex. Try using vaginal lubrication during sex. Be sure to look out for other menopausal symptoms and seek medical advice if needed.
Serious Causes
There are a couple of more serious reasons why your genitals may be experiencing a stinging feeling after sex.
Vaginal Fungal Infections are caused in 80% of cases by the yeast fungus Candida Albicans. Infections occur when the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina changes as a result of sexual intercourse. When an imbalance occurs, women experience itching and burning sensations manifesting in the vagina.
Women may infect men with yeast infections in this case, however, not the other way around. These symptoms are not characteristic of a sexually transmitted disease. They can be treated with a gel applied to the external vulva.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cause pain comparable to being cut with glass. Soreness is experienced after intercourse and while urinating. The disease can affect the urethra, cervix or rectum.
Genital Herpes is a viral infection that is spread from mucus to mucus. Herpes affects the vaginal entryway and causes massive irritation and a burning sensation. The sexually transmitted infection is identified by blister pods on the labia that pop and become sore.
Endometriosis is a condition that causes painful sex and painful periods. Uterine lining growth on other areas of the reproductive system is symptomatic of this disease. The pain felt here is also felt deeper in the body.
Endometriosis is a serious condition and will require treatment. Always consult with your OBGYN about this.
Pain Relief After Intercourse
In most cases, painful sensations will subside after intercourse. If this isn’t happening, the fear of pain may kill your libido. We encourage you to keep in mind that there are always treatment options available.
Talk to your OBGYN and ask about what you can do to relieve pain following sexual intercourse. Most times they will recommend a water-based lubricant to apply for use during sex. Of course, if you have something more serious, then other treatment options may be offered, like anti biotics.
Contact Dr Nicole OBGYN
If any of the painful symptoms mentioned above are happening to you, it’s worth calling your local OBGYN. Always book an appointment and get checked out if you’re in pain for longer than a couple of hours after sex. Do not let your vaginal soreness or vaginal dryness after sex affect you and your partner for longer than is necessary. Call Dr Nicole today to book an appointment.