Painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, is a condition that not all women have an easy time talking about, according to MayoClinic.com. Sex is something that should be pleasurable, and when a woman does not enjoy it, she may feel guilty, thinking that she is doing something wrong. MayoClinic.com explains that this is a fairly common problem affecting many women at some point in their lives.
Step 1
Talk to your partner. Communication may be all you need to solve, or at least relieve, your pain. MayoClinic suggests telling your partner what you experience during intercourse and asking him to go slower; this may make a difference.
Step 2
Try different positions. MayoClinic.com explains that if you feel a sharp pain when your partner thrusts, his penis may be hitting your cervix. This can result in cramping or aching. To stop this from occurring, you can be on top. The site points out that when a woman is on top, she has more control over the depth of penetration.
Step 3
Find new ways to achieve orgasms. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library suggests finding new ways for both partners to achieve an orgasm without penetration. These can include the use of the hands, mouths and sexual toys.
Step 4
Make foreplay last longer. One of the causes of painful intercourse is lack of lubrication which sometimes happens due insufficient foreplay. The longer you make foreplay last, the greater your chances of stimulating your natural lubrication. MayoClinic.com suggests that waiting until your partner fully arouses you may help reduce the pain you experience during intercourse.
Step 5
Give lubricants a try. Lubricants can be effective if the pain is superficial, or in the outer areas of the vagina rather than in the pelvis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that water-based lubricants are better than those containing oil, as the oil-based ones have a tendency to make the vagina dry. MayoClinic.com warns that some lubricants contain glycerin which may cause a yeast infection. Speak to your doctor before using these lubricants.
Step 6
Perform relaxation exercises such as desensitization therapy, where you perform vaginal relaxation exercises. Kegel exercises are included in this therapy, and help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (see Resources).
Step 7
See a sex therapist. Your response to sexual stimulation may be hindered if you have been experiencing painful intercourse for a long time. MayoClinic.com explains that this can happen even once treatment is complete, in which case sex therapy may be necessary. This can help you overcome any inhibitions you have about intimacy, restoring a healthy sex life between you and your partner.
