Being part of a couple is a constant work in progress. You grow together, learn from each other, cherish and care for something beyond yourselves.
Sexual intimacy is one of many ways you can express your feelings and strengthen your bond. Sharing mutual pleasure is relaxing and fun; it fills both your bodies with “happy chemicals” endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine.
But what happens when it hurts?
It is not easy or comforting to hear your wife say that sex is painful. Your first thoughts may be, “what if I am doing it wrong?” or “do they not want me?”, but you should abandon this line of thought. If sex hurts your wife, it is not your fault or theirs, and it decidedly does not represent a bigger issue in your relationship. However, if you don’t do something quickly about it, the physical discomfort and the lack of communication might cause irreparable strain to your partnership. As we have said in previous blog posts, communication is key.
Listen When Your Wife Says Sex Hurts
According to research, at least one in every four people with vaginas felt or will feel pain during sexual intercourse. Most of these individuals have to go through lengthy and sometimes embarrassing process to obtain a diagnosis for the origin of their discomfort. As a result, some may see their relationships suffer because this.
The research on female sexual pain is sparse and relatively new. Years ago, when a wife complained about pain during sex, they were labeled as “frigid,” “too uptight,” or sometimes “hysterical". Even the word “hysteria” comes from the Greek word for “uterus.” Since the medical consensus was that the pain was psychological, these individuals were sent on their way with recommendations to “relax and let go” and little focus in the area of pain management.
Only recent research and development looks more deeply into people with vaginas suffering sexual pain or dyspareunia. Nowadays, it's easier for specialists to diagnose and treat conditions like chronic pain around the vulva, vagina and pelvic region.
Be there for your spouse; listen to the descriptions of their pain, when and where they feel it, and what it is like for them. And what causes it. Does it appear when inserting a tampon? When riding a bicycle? During penetrative sex? A few heartfelt conversations will establish a lot of information to help when meeting with a specialist.
Talking to your spouse will also help them further assess things, while reassuring them that they are being heard, and that you care about their well being and comfort.
What Makes Sex Hurt My Wife?
Many conditions can cause pain during sex, either around the vagina or in the deeper pelvis. Your conversations should establish a solid set of symptoms that will help your specialist during the diagnosing process. Many people find support and healing working with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists.
When the pain appears on the vaginal walls or entrance, a common cause is dryness. Lack of necessary natural lubrication production can be a result of hormonal imbalances during menopause. Other situations like lack of sexual arousal, taking medications or bacterial infections can cause vaginal dryness.
Irritation or allergies can also give your wife pain during sex. Check with them about any past adverse reactions to intimate products, latex condoms, scented or flavored lubes, etc.
There are also more severe conditions that could be the cause of your wife’s painful sex. Injuries around the vaginal area can result from falls, rough terrain cycling, or the episiotomy performed by the obstetrician during labor. Conditions such as vestibulodynia (the presence of chronic pain in the vaginal entrance), or vulvodynia (pain in the vulva, the outermost part of the female reproductive system) can make pleasure prohibitive. Either of these conditions can flare up during sex, arousal, or even non-sexual activities like a pelvic exam, inserting a tampon, or exercise.
Another troubling condition is vaginismus, the involuntary constriction of the vaginal walls during penetration attempts. This constriction may occur even when your spouse feels aroused and eager to have sex, and it might leave them feeling unfairly confused and guilty.
When experiencing pain in the pelvic area, their condition could be more problematic. Deep pelvic pain can be a symptom of an inflammation of the cervix tissue that will hurt when touched with a penis or sex toy. Another form of inflammation is endometriosis, where the tissue lining their uterus spreads to other organs, causing great pain. Sexually transmitted infections can devolve into pelvic inflammatory disease, giving them continuous pain that worsens during intercourse.
Your wife’s pain during sex can also be caused from severe conditions like ovarian cysts or an ectopic pregnancy, which have to be attended by a health professional as soon as possible to avoid risking their health.
Monitor your spouse’s diagnosis process closely. While the worst conditions are relatively quick to discover, some of them, like Vaginismus or Endometriosis can take months, even years, to obtain a diagnosis beyond all doubt. Help them keep track of their symptoms, and document symptoms as they progress or worsen. If welcomed, accompany them to their doctor’s appointments and take notes about the tests they have to take and what you can do contribute to alleviating their pain.
Treatment for My Wife’s Painful Sex
Once your spouse has received a positive diagnosis, the treatment should be straightforward. Infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain inflammations can subside with medication. Allergies and irritations will clear as soon as you are rid of the irritant or allergenic substance. Even some of the more delicate situations, like cysts or ectopic pregnancies, will be remedied after surgery and a recovery process detailed by your doctor.
However, there are a few situations that will require a broader approach. Endometriosis, for example, is a long-term condition that will probably accompany your spouse through their fertile years, worsening during their periods. Traditional treatments include hormonal therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some recent discoveries about the relationship of Endometriosis and the endocannabinoid system hint towards CBD as a possible aid - more research is needed on this topic.
Vaginismus and vulvodynia, on the other hand, have a significant emotional component. Couples therapy and counseling will help cope the possible insecurities and guilt feelings that you and your spouse may encounter from this diagnosis. Some topical ointments help ease these conditions. Perhaps the origin of your wife’s pain is endometriosis or vaginismus. In that case, they will benefit from specific changes to their lifestyle, a healthier diet, physical therapy, and mental exercises such as meditation and mindfulness. Talk to them about the different medication options and the benefits or using therapeutic CBD products to help them recover.
Perhaps the origin of your wife’s pain is endometriosis or vaginismus. In that case, they will benefit from specific changes to their lifestyle, a healthier diet, physical therapy, and mental exercises such as meditation and mindfulness. Talk to them about the different medication options and the benefits or suggest trying therapeutic, nourishing CBD products like GoLove CBD Intimate Serumwhich can help.
Support their new diet, encourage them throughout their therapy sessions, and join them during their pelvic floor exercises. Their journey is also yours. If they have vaginismus, they may benefit from training with dilators. Make the training an occasion to be together intimately and connect as a couple.
How Can I Have Sex With My Wife Without Pain?
Many couples experience strain to their relationships when finding themselves unable to engage in penetrative sex. This suffering may be born from the idea that penetration is somehow the highest form of intimacy and the only expression of love. While this idea might be widespread, it also lacks ingenuity and can cause missed opportunity to those who abide by it.
The inability to withstand penetration, sexual or otherwise, could erode at your partner's self-esteem, making them feel guilty for something outside their control. If you do not approach this condition from a place of understanding, they might end up avoiding physical contact. There may be a fear of you becoming aroused and then having to deny you of your desires.
Be attentive and affectionate, reassure her that your love is not given conditional on sex. Show them that you care, ask to learn about their symptoms, and be there for them during treatment. Demonstrate your affection in a non-sexual way to make them feel loved. The touch of a hand, a soft kiss, or cuddling when you watch a movie are ways to make them feel cherished.
Redefine your intimate moments. Just because penetration is painful for your wife, it does not forbid you from taking pleasure in each other. Multiple options will give you the intimacy you crave and bring them to orgasm without hurting them.
Supplementing Natural Lubrication
Many pain issues during sex are due to insufficient lubrication. Even if it is not the case, take this opportunity to add some extra glide to your bedroom ride. Remember, there's no such thing as too much lubrication. Water-based products without glycerin or parabens are recommended since they will not damage latex condoms or silicone toys. Keeping the delicate labial and perineal skin moisturized with GoLove CBD Intimate Serum can offer great, soothing relief.
Many sexual and erotic activities do not require penetration and can minimize your wife’s pain. Experiment together to find what turns you both on. Oral and manual stimulation can bring you both to Earth shattering orgasms, with countless variations to explore. You can even indulge in a little voyeuristic fantasy and watch each other masturbate. Watching is a sexy way to learn about what your spouse finds pleasurable, while showing them what feels good to you.
Give her an erotic massage. If their clitoris is capable without pain, you can use the Womanizer and offer gentle air-pleasure orgasms.
If your wife’s pain centers on their vaginal wall muscles, the doctor may recommend vibrators to help relax. The elegant and jewel-like Callie mini wand is thin and may be a good option.
In the end, love is the greatest aphrodisiac of all. Care for your spouse, be there for them, listen to their voice and their body. Support them through their therapy and treatment, and make them feel as good about themselves and their body as you know they deserve.