Pain during sex is incredibly common and very distressing for those who experience it. It can have real and lasting impacts on your life and well-being. We need to be talking more about this topic because, frankly, it doesn’t get enough airtime AT ALL.
As a society, we tend to shy away from uncomfortable conversations about sex—especially when it comes to painful intercourse. But that’s exactly why we need to start having them! We’re here to help you navigate this difficult terrain and find the best solution for your unique situation.
If you’re a person assigned female at birth (AFAB) who experiences painful sex, you’re not alone.
According to Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist, pain may “prevent [a] person from going on dates, from seeking or even talking to potential partners, [and] it may even prevent [them] in many cases from making eye contact or associating altogether.”
It can be incredibly isolating. “The pain is always there,” Ghose says. “This brings a great deal of embarrassment, avoidance, and resistance. This, in turn, can feed into low self-esteem and self-worth, [along with] mental health issues.”
Let’s break down the causes of painful sex for AFAB people—and the ways to help manage it!
We know that it’s hard to talk about your intimate health issues with friends or family—and even more difficult to seek help from a healthcare provider. But we’re here to help.
If you’re experiencing pain during sex, we want you to know that we hear you and we believe you! If you’re ready, click the link below for information about what might be causing the pain, how it can be treated, and where to go if you need further assistance:
Want to learn more about the topic? Click the link below!
Caitlin Oates
Author
Doubling as LAST’s practice manager and intake coordinator, Caitlin is a writer and creative with a passion for sex-positivity, LGBTQIA advocacy, and mental health care.
Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University, and now flexes those communication muscles by teaching medical students humanism skills, coaching athletes in functional fitness, and learning from and working with LAST to promote, amplify, and normalize the importance of sexual and mental health.