Why Sex Can Become Painful – and What You Can Do About It
More than 30% of all women are struggling with dyspareunia, or painful intercourse. In some instances, this pain may be related to a congenital problem. In many cases, however, dyspareunia will begin later in life. A variety of situations can ultimately cause dyspareunia, including physical trauma or illness. When physical changes result in misshapen labia, or atrophy of the vaginal walls, tenderness during intercourse may also occur. Keep in mind, if you are experiencing painful sex related to a large labia or vaginal muscle laxity, help may be available from an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Causes of Painful Sex:
- Vaginal muscle laxity due to aging, menopause, hormonal changes
- Dryness due to hormones or medications
- Loose vaginal muscles
- Tight vaginal muscles
- Trauma
- Inflammation or infection
- Vaginismus (muscle spasms)
Symptoms of Dyspareunia:
Different women may experience dyspareunia is different ways. Their discomfort may be noticeable before, during, or after sexual activity. Pain can range from mild tenderness across the vulva and along the vaginal opening, to an ache deep inside of the vaginal walls. It is not uncommon for throbbing to radiate along the lower back, vertically across the pelvis, and even present as uterus or bladder pain. For this reason, many women are unsure about where to seek help or find their dyspareunia is misdiagnosed.
Improving Painful Sex With a Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty:
A labia majora that is excessively large or long may be a congenital abnormality, or occur with the physical changes related to pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal fluctuations. No matter the cause, misshapen labia can trigger mild to severe discomfort. The surplus tissue may rub under clothing, as well as pull and pinch during intercourse. An unusually shaped labia majora or minora can cause insecurity in a woman’s appearance, further exacerbating frustration. A labiaplasty is designed to restore a proportionate, aesthetically pleasing shape to the labia. An experienced surgeon can excise the unwanted, distended tissue, creating an aesthetically pleasing labia that no longer causes pain or embarrassment.
Childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and the normal aging process can cause the muscles of the vagina to lose their youthful elasticity. Much like the way aging affects the skin and muscles elsewhere on the body, the walls of the vagina can eventually lose their tautness. Unfortunately, this can cause a poor fit during intercourse, in some cases, rubbing and pinching to the point of severe discomfort. A vaginoplasty will address this loss of elasticity by eliminating excess tissue, and creating a tighter, shapelier vaginal opening. Along with restoring comfort and confidence, a vaginoplasty can even improve stress incontinence caused by this muscle softening.
Improve Comfort with Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery
Are you experiencing discomfort during sexual intercourse? Dramatic improvements can be seen with an outpatient labiaplasty or vaginoplasty; each procedure can yield life changing changes. Dr. Paul Vitenas has been performing vaginal rejuvenation procedures for close to 30 years. To find out if the labiaplasty or vaginoplasty is for you, schedule a confidential consultation at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. Contact our Houston office at 281.606.0007 to arrange your new patient appointment. Help for painful intercourse starts with a phone call to Dr. Vitenas.
