"Sex is impossible- my vagina just won't cooperate!"

It's not an uncommon problem, sadly, to have an uncooperative vagina. Remember my "dreaded speculum exam" post? This is it...the most common cause of a painful speculum exam. Now, as you've seen in other posts, it's not the only reason. But it can cause some serious issues in your relationship, and obviously may make sex painful or impossible.

Cramps suck!

Having cramps at the time of your period is expected. Most women just pop a couple of ibuprofen and go on with things. But deep cramping pain during sex is different and awful. It can completely disrupt a marriage and cause you to avoid sex altogether. Why are you having deep pain with sex? It can be several things. Endometriosis is a well know cause of pain with and after sex. A few recent literature articles are also pointing towards fibroids being associated with deep sexual pain. So let's dive in and see what info is out there.

Cramps suck!

Having cramps at the time of your period is expected. Most women just pop a couple of ibuprofen and go on with things. But deep cramping pain during sex is different and awful. It can completely disrupt a marriage and cause you to avoid sex altogether. Why are you having deep pain with sex? It can be several things. Endometriosis is a well know cause of pain with and after sex. A few recent literature articles are also pointing towards fibroids being associated with deep sexual pain. So let's dive in and see what info is out there.

Your vulva is sacred

The vulva is a sacred area, am I right? It's sensitive, and only seen by a few chosen folks in your adult life. Being a gynecologist, the fact that I'm one of those people is special, and I take it seriously. But showing me that sensitive area is one thing. Showing it to a sexual partner is another. If you're not sure what's going on down there, you may find yourself embarrassed or uncomfortable with sex, especially oral sex, because he/she is looking there too.

Painful sex, also known as dyspareunia, is persistent or recurrent pelvic or genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sex. Pain can be external with just touch, upon entry (penetration), with deep pushing (deep penetration), or afterwards.

The Speculum Exam SHOULDN'T HURT!

If you're the kind of gal who avoids going to the gyno because you're afraid of the torture device known as a speculum, you're not alone. But did you know that it SHOULDN'T HURT to have a speculum placed??

It's a common misconception that the speculum exam is supposed to hurt. Gynecologists are expertly trained to place a speculum, with as little discomfort as possible. Now I'm not saying you should ENJOY this part of the exam, but it really shouldn't HURT.

"I have UTI's all the time!"

Have you ever been to the doctor for a urinary tract infection and been told your urine wasn't infected? Or have you been on antibiotics for a urinary tract infection and it just didn't seem to get better, or came back really quickly?

It happens more often than you'd think, and it might NOT be an infection!!

"It hurts when I ovulate"

This is a common complaint in the Gyn's office. Up to 50% of women get pelvic pain mid-cycle, some every month. But is ovary pain really coming from your ovary? Sometimes it's not!