Making love is the greatest pleasure of life. It is an act that deepens the bond of love. However, this can turn into a nightmare when you experience pain during intercourse.
First-time sex pain is no joke, as the body is not used to this. But, pain during intercourse can occur due to several different reasons. In medical terms, it is known as Dyspareunia. As proven by studies, it is a common but neglected female health problem.
There are a lot of ways to help make your first-time sex pain isn’t as bad as you anticipate. But first, let’s talk about the mechanism of intercourse.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Experience First-Time Sex Pain?
To know the answer to that, you have to keep on reading.
What is the Role of Hymen – Myth or Reality?
You may have heard about the hymen, which is a thin, ring-like membrane that covers your vagina entirely. It has an opening that can be thick or thin. First-time sex pain depends upon this.
If the hymen is more stretchy, the less painful first-time sex is. But if your hymen is not stretchy, intercourse may hurt and you can even bleed a little. This is the most common cause of first-time sex pain.
Does Anatomy Play a Role in First Time Painful Sex?
If you are concerned that your partner’s penis size is too big and it might hurt, don’t worry about it. It is possible but very rare.
Let’s understand the anatomy of reproductive organs.
An average penis is 5-7 inches long during erection. On the other hand, the vagina is between 3-7 inches long. It can stretch a lot during intercourse and childbirth etc. So, first-time sex pain is not due to a large penis.
Although, a common cause of discomfort arises when the penis hits the cervix. It feels more uncomfortable rather than painful. You can resolve this by asking your partner to go slow.
Read more about healthy tips to increase penis size.
Are There Any Home Remedies to Reduce Pain During Intercourse?
There is no guarantee that you will not have first-time sex pain. But if you are skeptical, you may follow some home remedies to reduce pain during intercourse. Let’s get to know what are these remedies:
Avoid Tight Clothing
A yeast infection can cause discomfort. To avoid such an infection, wear comfortable and relaxed clothes. Use cotton underwear during summers. It will prevent the accumulation of germs at your vaginal site.
Take a shower daily, and change into dry clothes after swimming or going to the gym.
Prevent Bladder Infections
If you get a bladder infection, you might experience first-time sex pain. To prevent this, clean yourself well after every bathroom visit.
Urinate before and after having sex. These are small measures but can prevent big damage.
Keep Your Body Moisturized
It’s important to moisturize your body.
Do you know it’s even more important to keep yourself moisturized internally to avoid first-time sex pain?
Internal dryness happens when you don’t eat many foods with oils and fats. It can make your vagina extremely dry. Lack of lubrication is the main reason to experience discomfort during sex. You can even suffer cramps and a burning sensation after sex due to dryness.
The solution to dryness is in your kitchen. Use oils in your cooking that will promote internal moisturization of your body e.g. olive oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, etc.
Read more about olive oil’s benefits for your health.
If you find that the dryness is too much for you, you can use a physical lubricant as well to ease the process. It can be oil or water-based. Just go with what suits you best.
Add Pelvic Exercises in Your Life
Pelvic floor exercises are great at promoting sexual health and wellness. It’s essential for those people who experience pain during intercourse.
Let’s understand how to properly do pelvic exercise.
Breathe in deeply. Let your abdomen rise, and keep your pelvic muscles relaxed.
Slowly breath out through your mouth, and contract your pelvic muscles. Repeat 10 times.
Suggested Read: Pelvic Floor Exercises
Discuss Sex With Your Partner
Dr. Farooq Malik who is one of the best sexologist in Pakistan says, to avoid first-time sex pain, discuss all your concerns with your partner. Don’t be shy, and open up about every anxious thought you have. A good deal of talk can help release a lot of anxiety.
Warm-up Before the Physical Act
Improve foreplay. Make sure you are lubricated well before initiating sex. It will improve your odds for a good experience. Stimulation e.g touching, kissing, etc can help a lot in getting aroused, which will reduce first-time sex pain.
Everyone is different, so it’s necessary to get to know your bodies to find out what you like most.
Work on Stress Levels
Fear and stress due to any reason can cause dryness in the vagina. The fear of impending penetration can cause the vagina to close instead of open up.
You and your partner must be relaxed during the act.
Set Realistic Goals
Everyone wants their first time to be memorable and special, and rightly so. But it’s important to set realistic goals, and have a mental checklist if you are ready.
Be true to yourself and your partner. Don’t blindly try to follow the unrealistic expectations shown in the movies.
No Need to Hurry: Take the Process Slow
Experts at Hameed Latif Hospital say that it is best to be patient with yourself, if this is your first time. It will take time for things to fall into place. Don’t expect too much from yourself and your partner. There’s no need to hurry. Allow plenty of time to get aroused. Tell your partner where and when to touch you. Go slow.
When you’re both ready, your partner can ease into you, using their fingers to press in.
Find a pace and rhythm that suits you both. There’s no need to rush.
Choose a Suitable Location: It Matters
Choose a place in your house where you both feel comfortable and relaxed. The location matters.
A bed is a classic go-to place for lovemaking. It’s where you are alone and privacy is great. You have access to basic amenities. You can control the temperature, and can easily use the bathroom.
Feel free to add personal touches like music and lighting to set the mood.
One Last Word!
If you experience first-time sex pain, you don’t need to worry too much, as it will reduce with time. If you find that sex is still painful after a few times, and you’re experiencing bleeding, dryness, itchiness, and great pain, get in touch with a well-known sexologist to find the cause and treat it accordingly.
You can book an appointment via Healthwire.
