Pain during or after sex? You’re not alone. Also known as dyspareunia, almost three quarters of women* have experienced it at some point.
‘The severity of pain can vary, but most women describe a burning or tearing, throbbing, cramping and occasionally stabbing pain, which can extend from the pelvis to the vagina,’ explains our expert, Dr Henderson from the Kent Menopause Clinic.
‘Many women will experience a “one-off”, but some conditions are persistent,’ she adds. Here’s what could be causing it…
It’s… vulvodynia
Experiencing burning and stabbing pain? It could be vulvodynia. ‘It’s due to “faulty wiring” between the vulva and the brain,’ says Dr Henderson. ‘It can be caused by stress – although there may be a gap between the event and symptoms developing. Even a severe viral illness can result in vulvodynia.’
FIX IT ‘You may need counselling, topical steroids or be prescribed medication to help the pain, such as amitriptyline,’ says Dr Henderson. ‘Avoid potential irritants, such as soaps, bubble baths, bath oils and intimate deodorants. And always opt for organic sanitary protection as synthetic can cause irritation.’
Meet our expert…
Dr Anne Henderson is a gynaecologist and menopause specialist at the Kent Menopause Clinic.
It’s… a vaginal infection
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
HOW BAD IS YOUR DIET?
Rachel Tompkins, 44, found her family consumes far too much ultra-processed food, so she decided action
I MOVED BACK HOME AT 41
Karen Hitchen, 54, explains the best things about being a boomeranger
DISGRACED TEACHERS BEHIND BARS
We take a look at the female teachers risking it all for relationships with their pupils
BEAT HAY FEVER FOR FREE!
Relieve symptoms and put a spring back in your step without spending a penny
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on cigarettes, bras and toilet habits
HOLIDAY DEALS
Bag a bargain this summer with these amazing summer destinations
DINNERS FOR DIETERS!
Healthy eating is easy with these hearty midweek meals
FIX WRINKLES fast!
From effective skincare to handy gadgets and tools that deliver on results, here’s how to smooth out every type of wrinkle
BACK ON TRACK IN 7 DAYS
Fallen off the workout wagon? Shape up for summer and beyond with our gentle but effective routine
A LIFETIME OF LOVE LETTERS
When Lynn Florkiewicz, 66, lost her husband and soulmate, she let the words flow