Pain During Intercourse

Pain During Intercourse: An Indication of Uterine Fibroids

Pain during intercourse, known as dyspareunia, involves ongoing or recurring discomfort that occurs before, during, or after sex. Women might experience this pain externally in the vulvar region, including the labia or vaginal opening, or internally in the cervix, uterus, or lower abdomen. Uterine fibroids can be a source of such pain, potentially causing both physical discomfort and emotional distress. If you’re experiencing pain during sex, it’s worth getting evaluated for fibroids. An early diagnosis can help alleviate your symptoms more quickly and restore your normal routine. Our physicians at fibroid clinics offer minimally invasive, image-guided treatments for fibroids and their associated symptoms, including pain during intercourse.

Symptoms of pain during sex

The most frequent symptom of dyspareunia in women is pain during intercourse, which can be felt at the vaginal opening or deep within the pelvis. This pain may be localized to one specific area or spread across the entire genital region. Additionally, engaging in sexual activity may be challenging or uncomfortable due to other related problems if you have uterine fibroids. Other symptoms you might experience include:

Intense pain during penetration or at the point of entry
Deep pain during thrusting
Burning sensations
Pelvic cramping
Pain or discomfort that pulsates or feels achy following sexual activity
Muscle stiffness or cramping

Reasons for experiencing pain during sexual activity

Pain during sex can stem from various factors, including physical issues, gynecological conditions, and emotional concerns. Uterine fibroids are a common cause of painful intercourse, primarily due to their size and positioning. Larger fibroids can exert persistent pressure on the uterus and nearby organs, which intensifies during sexual activity. Typical causes of this discomfort include:

Uterine fibroids
Vaginal infections, such as yeast infections
Ovarian cysts
STDs
Menopause
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ectopic pregnancy

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How do fibroids lead to pain during intercourse?

Uterine fibroids near the cervix can often cause pain during intercourse. The pressure on these benign growths may result in anything from mild discomfort to severe pain, and friction can also contribute to the issue. Experimenting with different sexual positions might help you find those that are more comfortable or less painful. Fibroids can also affect sexual health and pleasure in other ways, including vaginal dryness, irregular periods, fatigue from anemia, frequent urination, and bloating, all of which may decrease your interest in sex. If you have fibroids and painful intercourse is impacting your personal life and self-esteem, it’s advisable to seek treatment from a fibroid specialist.

Treatment For pain during sex

Pain during sex does not always need medical intervention. If you've recently given birth, it's advisable to wait at least six weeks before resuming intercourse. Often, simply being patient and gentle can help. If your symptoms are due to uterine fibroids, there are specific methods to alleviate them.

Lifestyle Changes & Medications

If dryness is the primary issue, using a water-based lubricant on your vagina, vulva, and labia can be beneficial. For individuals experiencing pain during sex, it is often helpful to avoid using vaginal perfumes, bubble baths, scented sanitary pads, or scented toilet paper.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

If painful sex is caused by uterine fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is the best treatment choice. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure guided by imaging that removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. This treatment will also relieve your pain during intercourse.

What to Anticipate from UFE

Maintains the uterus

No need for general anesthesia

Quicker recovery period

Decreased heavy bleeding and pelvic pain

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