At Home with Chris Jessen 2018 - 193

SLUG SLUG ▲

Why does

SEX HURT?

IT SHOULD BE
A WONDERFUL
EXPERIENCE, BUT
FOR MANY WOMEN
IT'S MORE PAIN
THAN PLEASURE

WORDS: DAWN LATON, IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

S

ex is one of life's pleasures.
It's fun, free and a great way
to establish an intimate
bond with someone special.
But what if it's not like that
for you? There are several reasons why
sex may be difficult, so it's important
not to suffer in silence.
Dr Christian says: 'Vaginal pain is
usually the result of infection, with
thrush a common cause. Fibroids,
sexually transmitted infections,
endometriosis, and psychological
issues are also common reasons
why sex could be bothersome.'

DRY VAGINA

The vagina produces moisture to keep
it supple. The lubrication also acts as
a cleaning mechanism. This moisture
normally increases during sex, but if
it doesn't, sex can be uncomfortable
or even impossible.
Vaginal dryness can be a problem
during the menopause owing to a
reduction in oestrogen levels, which
makes the vaginal tissues thinner

DR
CHRISTIAN
SAYS
'One isolated
episode of
pain during
sex wouldn't
usually be
something to
worry about,
but if it keeps
happening
or there is
bleeding or
discharge, get
it checked
out at a
genitourinary
medicine
(GUM) centre
or family
planning clinic.'

and dryer. Medication and emotional
issues can also contribute to this.
Over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers
help to increase moisture levels, while
lubricants can make sex much
more comfortable.
If there are other symptoms, such
as hot flushes and difficulty sleeping,
it may be a sign of the menopause.

itching. If the soreness or itching is
an allergic reaction, the chemist
can advise on antihistamines.
However, if self-help measures don't
help, or symptoms get worse, your GP
can arrange further investigations.

PAIN WITH
PENETRATION

This is known as dyspareunia and
there are dozens of possible causes,
including vaginismus (spasm of the
vaginal muscles, making sex painful
This can be caused by an infection,
or impossible), pelvic inflammatory
such as thrush or trichomoniasis, the
disease, endometriosis, fibroids,
menopause, a skin condition such
infection or injury.
as psoriasis or dermatitis, or a
Psychological issues
health condition, for
can also make sex
example diabetes. It
painful. Relaxation
may also be caused by
A COMMON CAUSE OF
techniques before
an irritant or allergic
A DRY AND PAINFUL
penetration may
reaction to certain
VAGINA IS LACK OF
help psychologically
foods or products,
AROUSAL. PLENTY
and physically.
often soaps and
OF FOREPLAY IS KEY,
It can also help to
detergents.
ESPECIALLY AS YOU
take penetrative sex
If there is no
GET OLDER.
off the menu for a while
infection or underlying
and focus on massage,
illness, look after your vagina
stroking and kissing instead.
by using unperfumed products
Devices such as vaginal dilators are
and gentle, non-bio washing
useful, too. They come in a variety of
detergents, wearing cotton underwear,
graduated sizes, which help women
wiping from front to back after using
to gain gradual control until they are
the toilet, and changing tampons or
ready for natural penetration.
towels regularly during your period.
If pain is recurrent, a GP visit may
Over-the-counter mild steroid cream,
be necessary. A diary of how often and
with 0.1% hydrocortisone, can be used
where pain occurs might be useful.
for up to seven days to help relieve

SORENESS AND
ITCHING

Dry vagina

www.athomemagazine.co.uk FEBRUARY 2018 | 193



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