Sex Should Never Hurt. Period.

Sex should not hurt—end of discussion. But according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 75% of women will report discomfort during sex. 

The official diagnosis is dyspareunia, and it is defined as genital pain during or after intercourse. Various physical reasons account for this in women, including vaginal dryness, which is a lack of natural lubrication, and positional pain due to the pelvic floor muscles.  

It’s recommended women seek the assistance of a medical professional – such as a gynecologist, urologist, or midwife – to voice their concerns if they experience pain during or after sexual intercourse. These medical professionals will help rule out serious medical conditions such as endometriosis, bowel and bladder problems, and skin irritations such as dermatitis and pelvic floor dysfunction. 

However, if you have ruled out these conditions and are in your 40s or 50s, it is time to address the likely decline in estrogen. So, start a conversation with your primary care physician about your concerns.

In the meantime, here are some helpful ways to restore lubrication and vaginal wall elasticity:

Lubricants and creams. Sex with lubricants, yes, please. And women have nothing to be ashamed of, considering this is a $208 billion industry.

Pelvic floor therapy. These therapists are trained to work with the pelvic region, which plays a critical role in sexual comfort.

Therapy – the mental health kind. Find a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health and can guide you toward breaking down any mental barriers you may have built over the years.

Remember, sex is meant to be enjoyed, and there are many different ways painful intercourse can be addressed and remedied.

Kelly Rigo is the creative force behind Menopause Evolution.