Is Sex Painful? You’re NOT Alone.

TL;DR

• Is painful sex common? Yes, nearly 3 in 4 people assigned female at birth experience pain during sex at some point.
• What causes pain during sex? Common causes include insufficient foreplay, lack of arousal, or a need for lubricant. It can also be a symptom of chronic conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.
• How can you make sex less painful? Solutions include extended foreplay, clitoral stimulation, using vibrators, and applying lubricant to reduce friction.
• When should you be concerned about pain during sex? If the pain is consistent and isn't resolved with more preparation, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to check for underlying conditions.

If you struggle with painful sex, it’s important to know you’re not alone! While the subject is highly stigmatized, it’s very common. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 people who were assigned female at birth say sex has been painful for them at some point.

What Causes Pain During Sex?

For many, pain during sex is a temporary thing. It’s important to feel at ease enough with your partner to be able to tell them you’re feeling uncomfortable.

It can be caused by something as simple as a lack of preparation before penetration, or lack of arousal. This isn’t a bad thing, it could just mean you need a little more time for your body to catch up to what you’re doing! It could be helpful to have more foreplay, to have yourself or your partner stimulate your clitoris, to give you oral, or to use a vibrator. Also using a lubricant is an amazing way to enhance your own arousal. Studies even show that using lube makes it easier to reach orgasm!

Could Chronic Conditions Be Causing My Painful Sex?

If you consistently have pain during sex and more foreplay doesn’t seem to be helpful, you could be struggling with a chronic condition such as endometriosis or PCOS. According to the Endocrine Society, roughly 5 to 6 million women have PCOS. They describe it as “the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, but many women don't know they have it.” At the same time, researchers believe that at least 11% of women, or more than 6.5 million women in the United States, have endometriosis.

If you struggle with pain during sex, you’re definitely not alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. In fact, there are things you can do to help improve your experiences! Check out this blog for all of our tips to get you started.