Pain During Sex? Here's How to Find the Root Cause & Manage It

Pain during sex isn’t normal or a symptom you need to learn to live with. If you’re having pain during intimate moments, it’s important to find out what’s causing it so that you can treat it properly. Ignoring the pain can potentially make things worse.

At RegenMed Health Centers, we understand the challenges women face in different phases of life. Ellen Lin, MD, partners with you on your journey to better wellness and offers comprehensive women’s health care to improve your physical, reproductive, and sexual wellness.

Dr. Lin offers DNA testing and other diagnostics to identify what contributes to pain with sex and other uncomfortable symptoms. She also discusses your treatment options and helps you make the most informed decisions about your next steps.

Factors that can cause pain with sex

There’s a wide range of factors that can influence a woman’s health and make sex painful, a condition referred to as dyspareunia.

Some of the more serious issues that require medical attention include:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Pelvic organ prolapse

Psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts can also play a role in intimacy issues. Conversely, painful sex can make mental and relationship issues worse, ultimately affecting your self-confidence and self-esteem. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health or feel unsafe in a relationship, speak with Dr. Lin or a qualified counselor. They can recommend resources to help you work through difficult circumstances.

For many women, pain with sex becomes more prominent as they get closer to menopause, the natural transition that signals the end of childbearing years. In the months and years leading up to the end of your menstrual cycle, your hormone levels begin fluctuating, which can lead to a host of women’s wellness issues.

The link between hormones and sexual health

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many of the body’s processes. In women, hormones play a key role in sexual health.

A decline in estrogen and progesterone hormones can cause symptoms that affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Hormone decline is common in menopause, but hormone imbalances can occur at an earlier age due to underlying health issues like thyroid disorder, chronic stress, or exposure to environmental toxins.

Unbalanced hormones can thin or shrink vaginal tissues and cause the loss of natural lubrication, so sex may not feel as good. Dry and irritated vaginal tissues can also increase your risk for painful urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The good news is that a personalized treatment plan can restore balance in your hormone levels and body. Dr. Lin works closely with you to identify your needs through DNA testing and other diagnostics. These tests provide her with valuable information about your health, enabling her to design a care plan to help you feel your best.

In addition to medical treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Lin might suggest lifestyle and diet changes, nutritional supplements, and weight loss strategies that optimize your health and protect your long-term wellness. 

Call RegenMed Health Centers in San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule a women’s health consultation or book an appointment online.