10 Gynecological Conditions That Can Cause Pain During Sex

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Many women have experienced pain during sex at least once. In most cases, the causes of this issue are harmless. For example, sex can be painful due to insufficient arousal or an uncomfortable position. However, there are certain health issues that can also affect your sex life. Here is a list of 10 gynecological conditions that can cause pain during sex.

1. Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is the pain or discomfort around the opening of your vagina that lasts for three or more months. Women with this condition can experience pelvic pain, itching, burning sensation, and pain during sex. 

2. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is a condition in which a woman experiences poor lubrication. This condition often occurs due to decreased estrogen levels. Symptoms of vaginal dryness include pain and vaginal bleeding during sex, vaginal itching and burning, and mild vaginal discharge.

3. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman involuntarily squeezes the muscles of the vagina. As a result, she may experience severe pain during sex, pelvic exam, and tampon insertion. This condition can be caused by anxiety or fear of having sex.

4. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop on the uterine walls. Many women with fibroids don't experience any symptoms and may even not know that they have this condition. However, some women with uterine fibroids can experience pelvic pain, lower back pain, pain during sex, vaginal bleeding between periods, and heavy periods.

5. Uterine and cervical polyps

Uterine and cervical polyps are tiny growths that can occur on the uterine walls or the cervix. They often develop asymptomatically but in some cases, a woman with polyps can experience heavy periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, pain during sex, and infertility.

6. Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections usually pass from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse. Some of them can develop asymptomatically while others can cause pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge with a strong smell, vaginal bleeding between periods, rashes, vaginal itching, and many other symptoms. Some STIs like human papillomavirus can even lead to cervical cancer. 

7. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition in which an untreated vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea) leads to the inflammation of the pelvic organs. The most common symptoms of this condition are pelvic pain, pain during sex, abnormal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, fever, and painful periods. Without timely treatment, pelvic inflammatory disease leads to scarring and infertility.

8. Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix. It can occur as a result of an infection, allergic reaction, or irritation. This condition can also develop asymptomatically in some women while others can experience pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, and vaginal bleeding between periods. 

9. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (that is called the endometrium) starts to spread on the pelvic organs and attach them to each other. Since the endometrium tends to shed during periods, women with endometriosis can experience severe pain and cramps during periods. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, lower back pain, vaginal bleeding between periods, pain during sex, and infertility. 

10. Cancers of the female reproductive system

There are five common types of cancer that can affect the female reproductive system. They include vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers. In many cases, these cancers don't cause any obvious symptoms in the initial stages. However, women who have reproductive system cancer can experience pelvic pain, pain during sex, vaginal bleeding between periods, and abnormal discharge.