Many women experience painful intercourse at some time or other during their lifetime. Some will talk to their gynecologist and get it taken care of, while most will just handle it as best they can. If you are someone who is suffering through painful intercourse, you should talk to your doctor. Dealing with the issue with a trained professional will not be awkward or embarrassing. Gynecologists deal with this issue frequently and know how to help. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing painful intercourse including but not limited to the following.

Bartholin's Cyst

The Bartholin's glands are located on either side of the opening of the vagina and help to lubricate the area for sexual activity. Unfortunately, sometimes these glands can get backed up with fluid causing a cyst to form. At first, the cyst may be small, but they can grow with time, eventually narrowing the opening of the vagina with the size of the cyst. If your partner has to push past this cyst to engage in sexual activity, it can be extremely painful. Gynecologists have the tools and skills to drain this cyst, relieving the pressure and pain that they usually cause. 

Decreased Lubrication

When you have decreased vaginal lubrication, intercourse can become painful, usually causing irritation. Decreased lubrication can be caused by a number of things, most usually including a change in hormones. Menopause, for example, and the decrease in estrogen associated with menopause can cause vaginal tissues to become dry and painful, sometimes even bleeding after intercourse. Hormonal supplements or treatments can greatly help with this issue. 

Urinary Tract Infection

If your painful intercourse has started recently and seemed to come out of the blue, you may have a urinary tract infection or UTI. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra and developing, causing frequent urination, pain, and itching. UTIs can make intercourse painful because the urethra may be touched, which can hurt, as well as pressure being added to the bladder. UTI's can be very easily treated, however, they must first be diagnosed by a urine sample. 

In conclusion, there are many reasons why you may be experiencing painful intercourse. Many which are not included in this list can develop over years and get progressively worse. Talk to your doctor so that you can fix the problem and enjoy sexual intimacy instead of having to simply endure. Reach out to a gynecologist to learn more.