Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

Discomfort during intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia, is defined as discomfort or pain that occurs before, during, or after sexual activity. Research has shown that dyspareunia affects 3 to eighteen percent of women worldwide.

Discomfort during intercourse while pregnant affects women due to a variety of factors. In this article, we are going to discuss the factors that contribute to this discomfort or pain. We shall also suggest a few things you can try in order to have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

What Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes major changes, primarily hormonal and physical, and the feelings of intimacy can shift as well. As a result, sexual intimacy can prove challenging for many women.

Research has shown that, generally, pregnant women experience a decrease in sexual function. Therefore, some types of discomfort during sex are part of a healthy pregnancy, some are symptomatic of conditions that are more serious, and require medical attention. 

Anxiety

Anxiety affects pregnant people in many ways. It brings about worries regarding the health and safety of the child. As well, fears about the future and how it might change with a newborn can make it difficult to focus on regular day-to-day things, including sex.

Increased levels of anxiety can make intercourse unappealing or even uncomfortable, for the pregnant partner. A study exploring the correlation between sexual function and anxiety as pregnancy progresses found a decrease in sexual function due to increased anxiety. Additionally, the effects of anxiety on sexual function grew more pronounced the closer the person got to the third trimester.

Increased Sensitivity

One of the many changes that occurs during pregnancy is a rise in blood flow to the breasts, pelvic region, and reproductive organs. Consequently, many report an increase in sensitivity to intimate touch during pregnancy. 

For some, this heightened sensitivity is very positive, while for others, sexual intercourse can feel overstimulating and rather uncomfortable. Open and honest communication is vital to all physical intimacy, particularly during pregnancy. 

It is important to let your partner know your needs in the moment of intimacy. Whether you feel discomfort or you become overstimulated, let them know. Taking a brief break or slowing things down might help you to get comfortable again.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins on the lower rectum or the anus that can be quite painful on their own. Depending on their location, the discomfort can be aggravated during intercourse. 

The National Institute of Health estimates that 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people will have hemorrhoids in pregnancy at some point, with a noticeable increased likelihood during the third trimester.

Therefore, if your ability to enjoy sex comfortably is being hindered by the presence of a hemorrhoid, it might be necessary to put sex on hold until the inflammation clears up a bit. If inflammation persists, please see a professional healthcare provider.

Vaginal Dryness

Pregnancy comes with a wide spectrum of changes influenced by the fluctuation of hormones. These fluctuations sometimes affect the vagina’s self-lubricating rhythm. For some people, this results in excessive vaginal dryness, while for others, this results in excess lubrication.

If your issue is excessive dryness, the good news is that it is possible to have sex as often as you would like. There are many over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants which can reduce discomfort during sexual intercourse.  

Your Belly

Hurting the baby during sex is a source of anxiety for many pregnant people. As the pregnancy progresses and the belly continues to grow, the baby bump can interfere with intercourse in certain positions.

The good news is that the baby is perfectly safe, and you can have sex up to the weeks leading up to delivery. It is, however, important to avoid positions that put an excessive amount of weight on your stomach. 

Being open to some experimentation to find a position that is most comfortable while pregnant might also be an enjoyable exploration for your partner. Know this: it is entirely possible to remain sexually active for the duration of your pregnancy without harming the baby.

Infection

Infections during pregnancy can cause serious complications. Pain while having sex during pregnancy can also be indicative of some sort of infection. If you experience itching or burning during urination, pain in the lower back or around the kidneys, or have urine that is cloudy or has a particularly strong smell, you may have an infection that needs treatment. 

Infections such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections can range from simply uncomfortable to life-threatening.  The National Institute of Health says urinary tract infections in pregnancy cause more than 10 percent of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. Nearly 30 percent of these infections originate in the urinary tract.

If you experience itching or burning during sex or urination, pain in the lower back or around the kidneys, or have urine that is cloudy or has a particularly strong smell, you may have an infection that needs treatment. Most bladder infections can be cleared with a simple course of antibiotics, so it’s important to contact a healthcare professional swiftly to begin treatment early.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition whereby a fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube. A normal implantation occurs on the wall of the uterus. Implantation anywhere else means that the pregnancy will not be viable. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, killing the pregnant parent.

The main signs of an ectopic pregnancy include mild to severe pain in the pelvis, lower back, or abdomen. Although odd, it can also manifest as pain in the shoulders and neck in some cases. The pain can vary from light and intermittent to sharp, unrelenting abdominal pain. 

A ruptured fallopian tube can be life-threatening. Signs of a ruptured tube include light to heavy bleeding, dizziness, and fainting, along with the symptoms of shock. If you experience these symptoms, are not sure you are pregnant, and they do not go away, seek a healthcare professional immediately. If you experience these symptoms while pregnant, you must seek emergency care right away.

How to Prevent Pain During or After Sex When Pregnant

The largest contributor to maintaining a healthy, happy sex life throughout your pregnancy is open, honest communication with your partner. Speak about discomfort, insecurities, anxieties, and any physical pain or discomfort as a result of the pregnancy.

Openly communicating about what is comfortable and what is uncomfortable, and when these change in the course of the pregnancy is crucial. You may find that your partner is going through a similar experience and sharing these challenges can help in alleviating some of their symptoms.

There are lots of ways to manage or eliminate discomfort during sex while pregnant. Some strategies include:

• Varied Positions: Positions with the pregnant partner on top help in reducing pressure on the stomach, allowing them to control the speed and intensity of intercourse. The use of pillows can also make certain positions more comfortable for sustaining while pregnant.
• Lubrication: Lubricants greatly relieve the discomfort caused by vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes. A water-based product is recommended, particularly when using condoms.
• Alternative Intimacy: Should intercourse itself become too uncomfortable or painful to enjoy, there are other ways to maintain intimacy. Mutual massages, oral sex, or masturbation may prove more comfortable. The exploration of these other types of sexual activities can be a great alternative to growing closer to your partner during a challenging time.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

Intercourse during pregnancy is safe. However, there are times when the discomfort during sex is indicative of something more serious that needs to be addressed. If the pain is persistent or is accompanied by consistent bleeding, it would be best to speak to a healthcare professional immediately.

Symptoms such as burning and itching while urinating and pain in the lower back or kidneys warrant a call to a doctor. If you are not sure, it is probably better to be safe with regard to your reproductive health during pregnancy.

In Conclusion

Maintaining a happy, consistent sex life throughout a pregnancy is possible. Communicating with your partner about your needs, as well as when pain or discomfort arises, is vital. If necessary, speak with a healthcare provider about any concerning signs you encounter. 

Although there are many factors that occasionally cause mild discomfort during intercourse while pregnant, intense pain or discomfort are likely to require medical intervention. Anxiety as well may require medical attention to manage it, should it be having a negative impact on your day-to-day life.

A professional healthcare provider can help you manage any issues that may raise concern during your pregnancy. They will help you come up with strategies to manage your health and pregnancy. If you have questions about sex during pregnancy, Ivy Fertility offers a wide range of reproductive health resources. We also have several offices across the country here to help you on your fertility journey.