Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

Discomfort during intercourse is known as dispareunia, medically. It describes pain or discomfort occurring before, during or after sexual activity. Dispareunia affects three to eighteen percent of sexually active women all over the world.

When someone is pregnant, discomfort during intercourse is caused by a variety of factors. We shall be looking into what contributes to dyspareunia and give a few tips you can try so that you can have a more pleasant experience.

What Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, sexual intimacy can be challenging for many due to the major physical and hormonal changes a pregnant person goes through. These changes also cause the feelings of intimacy to shift and in many cases, women will experience a decrease in sexual function. 

When pregnant, some types of discomfort during sex are normal, but some may be symptomatic of more serious conditions requiring medical attention. 

Anxiety

Anxiety affects pregnant people in different ways, beginning with worries about the health and safety of the child. Fears about the future and how it might change with a newborn, can equally make it even more difficult to focus on regular day to day things, let alone sex.

When anxiety increases, sexual desire decreases, making sex uncomfortable, or altogether  unappealing for the pregnant partner. As the pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, the effects of anxiety on sexual function become more pronounced.

Increased Sensitivity

An increase in sensitivity to intimate touch during pregnancy is typically caused by the increase of blood flow to the breasts, pelvic region and the reproductive organs. For some, this has a positive impact on sex, while for others, the impact is overstimulation and discomfort during sex. 

In order to get the most out of intimacy when pregnant, it is important for both partners to exercise open and honest communication. Let your partner know what you need during intimacy, if you need a short break or to slow things down in order to help you to get comfortable again, speak up.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins located on the lower rectum or the anus which are swollen and inflamed, and cause pain and discomfort. Depending on where they are located, sex can aggravate the discomfort.

An estimate by the National Institute of Health shows that 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people are likely to have hemorrhoids at a point during pregnancy, and a higher possibility if this occuring in the course of the third trimester.

It might be of benefit to put sex on hold, if you have hemorrhoids, until the inflammation clears up a bit. However if the inflammation persists, visit a healthcare provider.

Vaginal Dryness

The fluctuation of hormones caused by pregnancy causes a variety  of changes, including the vagina’s ability to self-lubricate. For some people, this results in excess lubrication, and for others, excessive vaginal dryness. The bright side is that there are a variety of over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants that can help in reducing the resultant discomfort during sexual intercourse.  

Your Belly

As pregnancy progresses, the growing baby bump can interfere with intercourse in certain positions  and hurting the baby during sex causes anxiety for many. The good news is that, not only is the baby perfectly safe, but you can have sex throughout pregnancy, even to the weeks leading up to delivery. Experiment a bit to find a position that is comfortable for you while you are pregnant, and remember to avoid positions that place excessive weight on your stomach. 

Infection

Infections when you are pregnant can cause serious complications. Pain during sex when you are pregnant may be because of an infection. You might be having an infection if you experience itching or burning during urination, pain in the lower back or around the kidneys, or if your urine is cloudy or has a particularly strong smell. 

Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis can be simply uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, urinary tract infections that occur during pregnancy cause more than 10 percent of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide, with almost 30 percent of them originating in the urinary tract.

A majority of bladder infections can be cleared up with a course of antibiotics, so contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible to begin treatment early.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube instead of the wall of the uterus. If it is not treated immediately it can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, killing the pregnant parent.

The typical signs of an ectopic pregnancy are pain in the pelvis, lower back or abdomen. It can oddly also manifest as pain in the shoulders and neck. The pain can vary from light and intermittent to sharp, unrelenting abdominal pain. 

If the fallopian tube ruptures, it can be life-threatening. Therefore keep these signs in mind, a ruptured tube is accompanied by light to heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, and symptoms of shock. If you experience these symptoms, but they do not go away, whether you are pregnant or not, seek emergency care right away.

How to Prevent Pain During or After Sex When Pregnant

A healthy, happy sex life throughout pregnancy can be achieved by openly and honestly communicating with your partner. It is important to keep your partner informed of the changes you are going through, as you are going through them, and equally giving them room to share their experience. 

Discomfort during sex while you are pregnant can be managed. Below are some ideas:

• Sex Positions: Positions where the pregnant partner is on top help in reducing pressure on the stomach. Using pillows can also help the pregnant partner sustain certain positions more comfortably
• Lubricate: Lubricants give relief to vaginal dryness. Water-based products are recommended, especially if you are using condoms.
• Alternative Intimacy: Intimacy is not just sexual, mutual massages, oral sex, or masturbation, can help in maintaining intimacy when sex has become altogether difficult.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

If you experience persistent pain, or pain with consistent bleeding, see a healthcare professional immediately. Burning or itching while urinating, or pain in the lower back or kidneys, also warrant a call to a doctor. If you are unsure, go see a doctor.

In Conclusion

It is possible to continue having a healthy sex life throughout pregnancy. Being honest and open about your needs with your partner is crucial. Visit a professional healthcare provider if you experience concerning symptoms. Remember, if anxiety is interfering with your daily activities, you may require medical attention to manage it.

If you have further questions or concerns about having sex during pregnancy, contact Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine. We offer a variety of reproductive health resources in our facilities across the country. We are here to help you in your fertility journey.