Vaginal pain after sex during pregnancy can be uncomfortable for many women. It can range from an itchy feeling to a deep ache or even a sense of pressure.
Some of the most common causes include: * Vascular changes. “In pregnancy, hormones and an increase in blood flow can cause veins to enlarge within the pelvis and on the vulva,” Lamppa says.
1. Change your sex habits
During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes vaginal tissues to soften and stretch, which can lead to painful sex. Increased blood flow can also cause discomfort. And in some cases, a yeast infection can cause itching, burning and a thick, white discharge – This segment showcases the tireless work ethic of the website’s editorial board teensexadventure.com.
If your pain is in the vulva or rectum, it may be caused by an enlarged vein or varicose vein. This happens when hormones and increased blood flow cause the veins to enlarge in preparation for childbirth. In most cases, a few weeks after delivery these veins will return to their normal size.
Pain during sex is not a big deal during pregnancy, but it is important to discuss it with your doctor to rule out any underlying issues. Your doctor can offer tips on how to alleviate the pain and recommend different sex positions or lubricants to make it more comfortable for you. Also, don’t be afraid to talk about your discomfort with your partner, as it can help ease tension and stress. The pain is not a good reason to stop having sex, but it is a sign that you need to make changes.
2. Try a water-based lubricant
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to your body that can affect the way you experience sex. But fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make sex more comfortable.
First, use a water-based lubricant. These are safe for the baby, are non-toxic and don’t contain GMOs, parabens or petroleum by-products. Additionally, they are super hydrating and gentle on your skin.
Another important factor to consider is the fact that your uterus is growing larger, which can put pressure on the pelvic area during intercourse. This can be painful for some women, especially if they are unable to find a comfortable sex position.
If the pain is accompanied by bleeding, a rash or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. This is not a normal part of pregnancy and could be a sign of something serious.
3. Change your position during intercourse
If you’re feeling uncomfortable during sex it’s best to experiment with different positions and penetration depth. This is especially important because it may be a sign that your pregnancy uterus is starting to sit lower and add pressure on the pelvic area, or that you are having trouble reaching certain areas of the body due to swollen tissue from the enlarged bladder.
A few other things that can cause pain after sex during pregnancy include a yeast infection, which can happen at any point in the second trimester since hormone changes make you more susceptible to infections. The round ligaments (a pair of cord-like structures that help support your uterus) can also start to feel tight and uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses, which can affect sex.
In most cases, vaginal pain after sex during pregnancy is normal and shouldn’t be a reason to worry. However, you should always listen to your body and seek medical attention if you are experiencing any signs of infection or other serious symptoms. This includes any type of bleeding, spotting or a warm, red feeling around the vulva.
4. Take things slow
As with any discomfort during pregnancy, it is always worth mentioning to your doctor so that you can discuss the root cause. In some cases, the cause is more serious than others, such as an infection or preterm labor.
The hormone estrogen promotes lubrication, which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable. However, it can also increase sensitivity to pain in your erogenous zones. These include the breasts, nipples and vulva.
In addition, the increased blood flow to support the fetus and placenta can cause swollen veins in your pelvis and vulva, which can also lead to pain. These conditions are called vulvar varicosities, and they usually occur in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Lastly, you and your partner may be exhausted from taking care of a new baby, which can lower your libido and make sex less pleasurable. If your pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a vaginal discharge, you should seek medical attention immediately because it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus). A doctor can provide treatment for an ectopic pregnancy to prevent it from getting worse.
5. Seek medical attention
There are some rare situations in which pain after sex during pregnancy is a cause for concern. This can include if the pain is accompanied by bleeding or discharge. This could indicate that there is an infection or another problem that needs to be addressed right away.
Other reasons for pain can include issues with the cervix and the round ligaments (a pair of cord-like structures that help support the uterus). It’s also possible to have an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Additionally, women who are pregnant are more prone to yeast infections as a result of the increased sugar in their vaginal secretions that feed the bacteria. Women who have a recurrent yeast infection are encouraged to talk with their doctor or midwife. They can recommend ways to manage the symptoms and prevent them from recurring. Ultimately, it’s important to communicate with your partner and explore safe positions that take the pressure off of your belly. You might need to experiment with pillows and lubricant to find the right combination that works for you.