Pain during sex is never good, but it can be particularly bad a few days before your period begins. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.
If you’re experiencing painful sex, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to get to the bottom of it – This section is the result of the website’s editorial analysis anniesexxxteen.com. You might find that treating a health condition helps, or simple things like using lubricant and having longer foreplay can ease discomfort.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that coordinate different functions in the body. But even one tiny imbalance can wreak havoc on your health. Hormones affect everything from your mood to your metabolism. And they play a key role in sexual function and reproduction. If you have too few or too many of the hormones necessary for your reproductive system to work properly, it can lead to symptoms like heavy periods, pain during sex and other menstrual issues.
A hormonal imbalance can also cause low libido, especially in women. In women, estrogen helps to boost blood flow to the genitals and promotes nerve growth in the pelvic area. When estrogen levels drop, it can make sexual desire decrease and can lead to pain during sex. In addition to pain during sex, women can experience other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as abdominal and lower back pain, bloating, nausea, constipation, heavy or painful periods and non-cancerous tumors called uterine fibroids.
Long-term hormonal imbalances can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility and other conditions. Hormonal therapy can help restore balance to your hormone levels and reduce your chances of developing these conditions.
Endometriosis
When women with endometriosis have sex, they may experience pain in the perineum, pelvis, bladder, and uterus. Some describe the pain as a burning, throbbing, or ripping sensation. Some women have a decrease in their quality of sex with their partner due to the pain, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and lack of trust. This can affect the long-term health of the relationship and lead to infertility.
During the menstrual cycle, the body experiences hormonal changes that cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining will break down and bleed. However, in some women, cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus on other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel. This re-expands, breaks down, and bleeds each month creating inflammation and pain.
Women with this condition often feel that their symptoms are not real and that others won’t believe them. This can lead to them not telling their partners about the pain, which may cause them to avoid sex and have less sex over time. When endometriosis is addressed, it can reduce the pain and improve the quality of sex and sexual life with their partner. Treatment options may include over-the-counter painkillers, hormone therapy to control the monthly hormonal fluctuations that promote endometrial tissue growth, and pelvic floor physical therapy.
Bladder Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and can cause pain in your back, abdomen or pelvic region. These infections can also travel up from your bladder through your ureters to your kidneys. More than 90% of UTIs are caused by bacteria called E coli. These germs usually live in your intestines, but they can easily enter the urethra and bladder through sexual activity.
Women are more prone to get UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter, so the bacteria has less distance to travel. Having new sexual partners, taking antibiotics or having a urinary tract condition like diabetes can increase your risk of getting a UTI. Menopause, which causes changes in the vulva’s lining, can also make it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder.
Symptoms of a UTI may be similar to some symptoms of STIs, so it’s important to see your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing your infection. You can ease the pain while you wait for your medication to work by putting low heat across your belly or pelvic area. You can buy a heating pad at a drugstore or make one at home. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of fluids.
Stress
Women who experience painful sex before their period may feel uncomfortable discussing it with their partners. However, it’s important to share the details of the pain so that you can work with your partner to find a solution. It can also be helpful to talk to friends who have experienced this issue. They may be able to offer advice or tips that have helped them deal with the pain.
One of the most common causes of pain during sex before a woman’s period is stress. This can cause the pelvic muscles to tighten up, resulting in pain during sexual arousal and intercourse. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the stress, but it could be due to a hectic schedule or an emotional issue such as a history of abuse.
Other factors that can affect pain during sex before your period include the use of a condom, which can make the pain less severe. It could also be caused by a lack of lubrication or sexual positions that are too intense. Try experimenting with different positions, including the old-fashioned missionary position, to see which ones are more comfortable. It’s also worth trying a different type of lubricant, which may help to alleviate the pain. In addition, try putting a pillow between your legs, as this can relieve pressure on the vulva.
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