Why I have a Painful Intercourse

Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder is a sexual dysfunctional disorder in females. Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder, shortly called GPPPD, is when you experience persistent pain during sexual intercourse. It’s most common in women, and can greatly impact your relationship with your partner if you don’t seek treatment—the condition has been known to cause some couples to split up as they deal with the emotional implications of intercourse becoming too painful to enjoy. Here’s how you can tell if you have GPPPD, what causes it, and how to treat it so that you can get back to enjoying sex again with your partner.

Women Affected By Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder

Woman can find themselves dealing with painful intercourse. A condition known as genito pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) may be to blame. What causes GPPPD? The pain can originate in many areas of a woman’s anatomy, including: Urethra: The urethra is located within an area called the perineum, which runs between your vagina and anus. During penetration or other sexual activities, there may be a sensation of burning or other discomfort here.

Causes Of Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder

If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, it’s important to understand what could be causing your symptoms. In some cases, GPPPD is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Other times, a physical exam reveals an underlying condition that can be treated with medication or surgery. Hormonal imbalances and fibroids are common culprits of painful intercourse and can often be remedied through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or surgical removal.

Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder Symptoms

It's common for sufferers to experience a burning sensation during or after intercourse, as well as pain while urinating and/or with bowel movements. Sufferers also report pain in their legs or lower back, though it isn't always clear what causes these pains. In fact, one of GPPPD's frustrating symptoms is that there are often no outward signs of pelvic pain.

How Does Sex Feel When It Hurts?

If you've ever experienced pain during sex, you're certainly not alone. According to a survey conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey, approximately 24 percent of women between ages 18 and 59 have dealt with painful intercourse. The condition is known as genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD). The symptoms can be distressing, especially when it keeps people from having sex or causes discomfort when you do. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for GPPD.

A Physical Examination For Vaginal Pain

If you are having pain during sex, your doctor will start with a physical examination. The first thing she is going to do is examine your external genitalia for irritation or inflammation, including any visible signs of infection. Doctors can usually see some sort of discharge from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Next, she’ll check for vaginal dryness (commonly called vaginismus) by inserting one or two fingers into your vagina.

Helpful Treatments For Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder

From Doctors to self-help guides, there are many ways to help those with genito pelvic pain. The best option is usually a combination of physical therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. While there’s no known cure for GPPPD or its underlying causes, there are treatments that can help minimize symptoms and make daily life easier. Working closely with your doctor or counselor is an important part of finding relief—along with certain lifestyle adjustments.

Helpful Sexual Positions For Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder

If you are dealing with GPPPD, there are certain sexual positions that may make intercourse less painful. These include

Helpful Lubricants For Genito pelvic pain or penetration disorder Or Vaginal Dryness During Sex

One of the most commonly used lubricants for penetration disorders is Astroglide. This lubricant comes in a classic clear, glycerin and paraben-free formulation. It is free of fragrance, color, or taste and is best applied with your fingers to prevent contamination. It doesn’t have any aftertaste, which makes it great for oral sex as well.

Helpful Tips For Dealing With Vaginal Discomfort During Sex

Vaginal pain and discomfort during sex are some of the most prevalent symptoms of genito pelvic pain/penetration disorder. However, there are many things that you can do to manage these sensations and have a more comfortable sexual experience.