Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

When someone is pregnant the causes of discomfort during intercourse are varied. The discomfort experienced during intercourse is known as dispareunia. 

Among sexually active women, three to eighteen percent  experience this discomfort or even pain before, during or after sexual activity. 

Understanding what causes dyspareunia is useful in knowing how to manage it when it does occur. So this is what we shall be discussing in this article.

What Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant?

Sexual intimacy can be challenging during pregnancy because of how the physical and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy impact sexual desire and sexual function. Some of these discomfort during sex are to be expected, but some may be as a result of underlying conditions that would require medical attention. 

Anxiety

Anxiety during pregnancy tends to be brought by worries about the wellbeing of the child, as well concerns or even fears about the future and the changes a newborn will bring. Anxiety can make it difficult to focus on day to day things, and sex is no exception.

An increase in anxiety causes a decrease in sexual desire. As a result, sex becomes uncomfortable, and can become unappealing altogether when a person is pregnant, with the effects being more pronounced as the pregnancy gets into the third trimester.

Increased Sensitivity

During pregnancy, the increase of blood flow specifically in the breasts, pelvic region and reproductive organs can increase sensitivity to intimate touch. For some, this is a positive where sex is concerned, while for others, it results in overstimulation and discomfort during sex. 

Hemorrhoids

When the veins located on the lower rectum or the anus swell and become inflamed, they are called henorrhoids. They are generally painful and uncomfortable and sexual intercourse can aggravate this further.

Hemorrhoids can occur when one is pregnant, with an estimated 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people likely to get them at some point during pregnancy, and more likely during the third trimester of pregnancy.

It is advisable to hold off on sexual intercourse if you have hemorrhoids, until the inflammation clears up a bit, but if it does persist, visit a professional healthcare provider.

Vaginal Dryness

During pregnancy, the hormones in the body fluctuate this sometimes affects how the vagina lubricates itself. While for some, there is excessive lubrication, excessive vaginal dryness, the other end of the spectrum, is what others may experience.  Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are beneficial in reducing discomfort caused by dryness, during sex. 

Your Belly

You may find that as your baby bump grows, certain positions, when having sex, are not as easy to get into, or to maintain. Additionally you may feel nervous that you may hurt the baby while having sex.

As long as you avoid positions that put a lot of weight on your stomach, feel free to try different positions to find the ones that are comfortable. Know this, the baby is perfectly safe in your womb and you can continue to enjoy sex throughout, to the weeks leading to your due date. 

Infection

Pain in the lower back or around the kidneys, itching or burning during urination, or cloudy pungent urine are signs of infection. As well, if you experience pain during sex when you are pregnant it could be due to an infection.

When one is pregnant, infections can lead to serious complications. Infections such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis can begin as discomfort and become potentially life-threatening if they are not treated. 

Urinary tract infections during pregnancy in particular are the cause of more than 10 percent of deaths worldwide. However most bladder infections can be treated with antibiotics, so contact your doctor to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening. It is caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg in the fallopian tube rather than the uterine wall. Without treatment, it can rupture the fallopian tube, killing the pregnant person.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include pain in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back. As well, one can experience the pain in their shoulders and neck. The intensity of pain varies from light and intermittent to sharp, unrelenting abdominal pain. 

A ruptured fallopian tube is life-threatening. Apart from the pain, one can experience dizziness and fainting, light to heavy bleeding, as well as symptoms of shock. Seek emergency medical care right away.

How to Prevent Pain During or After Sex When Pregnant

Discomfort during sex while you are pregnant is manageable. For a start, it is important for both partners to have open and honest conversations about sexual discomfort or pain. As your needs change, your partner should be kept informed of what you require to maintain intimacy, including short breaks or slowing things down.

Below are some additional suggestions:

• Sexual positions where the pregnant partner is on top reduce pressure on the stomach. 
• Pillows can assist the pregnant partner in sustaining certain positions more comfortably
• Lubricants provide relief for vaginal dryness. The water-based types are recommended, particularly when using condoms.
• Alternative Intimacy: Try mutual massages, oral sex, or masturbation, to maintain intimacy when sex has become altogether difficult.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, persistent pain, or pain accompanied by consistent bleeding, burning or itching while urinating, and pain in the lower back or kidneys, require a visit to the doctor.  If you are not certain, go see a doctor.

In Conclusion

A healthy sex life throughout pregnancy is possible. Be honest and open about your needs with your partner. 

Go and see a doctor if you experience concerning symptoms. If excessive anxiety is interfering with your daily routine, seek medical assistance to manage it.

For more information about sexual intimacy during pregnancy, contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group. Our variety of reproductive health resources are available in our facilities across the country.