It’s time to talk gynea stuff, and for the second installment of our new gynea series we discuss painful sex. Join us everyday for two weeks for expert advice on common intimate issues
Call them what you will – ‘women’s issues’, ‘intimate health problems’, ‘gynae things’, whatever, all women will experience at least one or two intimate conditions at some stage in their life.
Over the next two weeks, Healthista will be sharing some common intimate conditions many women experience but don’t talk about.
Here is what is helpful to know about some of the most common intimate issues, today we discuss why sex may be painful.
Painful sex
Sex should be a pleasure so obviously when it causes physical pain something is amiss.
This is often caused by vaginal dryness which can affect women of all ages at some stage in their lives but is commonly a side effect of the menopause.
Declining or fluctuating levels of the hormone oestrogen are often the problem
Although it can also be a symptom of diabetes, certain medications, breast feeding, cancer treatments or even stress.
Declining or fluctuating levels of the hormone oestrogen are often the problem and this typically affects vaginal lubrication making sex uncomfortable.
What can help:
This might be a short term issue resolved simply by using a vaginal moisturiser (different from a lubricant) – for example something like Replens™ Vaginal Moisturiser.
Available in Boots, Superdrug, and Amazon
Replens™ works by lining the inside of the vagina, providing moisture, lubrication and comfort. The gel stays in contact with the vaginal walls for several days while the purified water it contains is absorbed, enabling women to feel more confident and comfortable helping them to achieve a long-lasting sex life.
sex is also generally about emotional intimacy and communication
Alternatively, or as well as, taking a supplement like Healthspan Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil, £16.95 could help. Studies suggest this oil helps support the health of mucous membranes and increases vaginal lubrication.
But satisfying sex is also generally about emotional intimacy and communication and if you are not getting what you want from your partner (in or out of bed) you are less likely to become aroused.
But as sex expert Tracey Cox says; ‘Your partner isn’t a mind reader: be honest about what works for you and what doesn’t.’
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