Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

Pregnancy has been known to come with a variety of discomfort, at varied intensities. In particular, intercourse when one is pregnant can be uncomfortable, and this discomfort is medically known as dispareunia. 

Statistics show that three to eighteen percent of women who are sexually active experience discomfort or pain around sexual activity. This can occur during intercourse or right after the sexual activity. In order to manage this discomfort, particularly when you are pregnant, it is helpful to know what causes it. 

What Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant?

Discomfort during sex while pregnant is caused by the physical and hormonal changes that affect both sexual function and sexual desire. Whereas it is expected that these changes can cause sexual intimacy to be particularly challenging, sometimes, underlying issues may be the cause and these would require medical intervention to resolve.  Below are some of the main causes of discomfort during sex while one is pregnant:

Your Belly

It is inevitable that your belly will grow continuously during pregnancy. As a result, over the course of your pregnancy, certain positions may become more uncomfortable, either because you cannot get into them as easily, or you cannot maintain them for as long as you had been used to. The key is to avoid any positions that put weight on your stomach. 

Anxiety

The fact is that causes of anxiety are varied when one is pregnant, and having sex is just one among the many sources of anxiety. In addition, a pregnant person will often be concerned about the health and nutrition of the baby, about how the future will change with a newborn, among other concerns regarding parenting. 

This anxiety can sometimes make it challenging to remain focused on daily life routines - including sex - resulting in sex being temporarily unappealing or altogether uncomfortable, for the pregnant partner. Sexual intercourse is so affected by pregnancy that a study on sexual function and anxiety as pregnancy progresses found that increased anxiety reduced sexual desire, and this was more pronounced as the pregnancy got into the third trimester.  

Although it is normal to feel nervous about hurting the baby during sexual intercourse, the good news is that your baby is perfectly safe from harm within your womb. Therefore you can continue to have sex throughout your pregnancy, even up to the weeks just before giving birth. 

Increased Sensitivity

When one is pregnant, there is an increase in blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the pelvic region and reproductive organs, as well as the breasts. Consequently, a pregnant person may have increased sensitivity when touched intimately. Whereas for some people, this sensitivity is positive, for others it causes discomfort, which makes them avoid having sex.

Vaginal Dryness

Whereas increased blood flow to the pelvic region typically increases lubrication in the vaginal area, the fluctuation of hormones could cause vaginal dryness. When one is pregnant therefore, the combination of increased blood flow and hormonal fluctuation could result in excessive vaginal lubrication on one hand, or result in excessive vaginal dryness.  The good news is that there are over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturiser that can reduce discomfort particularly during sexual intimacy. 

Infection

Infections are typically a cause for concern when a person is pregnant. This is because they can lead to serious complications that affect both mother and child. Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, as well as bacterial vaginosis have the potential of becoming life-threatening if one does get appropriate treatment on time. For example, 10 percent of deaths worldwide are solely caused by urinary tract infections during pregnancy. 

Signs of infection include lower back pain and pain around the kidneys, a burning sensation or itching during urination, cloudy urine, or urine that has a strong unpleasant odor. If you experience pain during sexual intercourse, it could be because of an infection. The good thing is that antibiotics can be used to treat bladder infections. If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms see a doctor immediately to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins surrounding the rectum or anus become inflamed and swell up. Due to the increased blood flow in the lower pelvic region when one is pregnant, it is possible to develop hemorrhoids. In fact it is estimated that 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people get hemorrhoids at a point, particularly in the third trimester. tUsually, they are not only uncomfortable, but can be painful. 

When one has hemorrhoids and engages in sexual intercourse, the hemorrhoids can get aggravated. In order to give the body a chance at clearing up the inflammation, it is recommended that one holds off on sex for a while. However, if holding off on sex does not help, you may require medical intervention, so make a point of seeing your doctor as soon as you can.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies occur when an embryo implants itself in the fallopian tube instead of the uterine wall. They are considered life-threatening because without treatment, the fallopian tube could rupture, causing the death of the pregnant person. Ectopic pregnancies usually present with the following symptoms: lower back, abdominal or pelvic pain, as well, shoulder or neck pain. The pain itself can be sharp and persistent, or mild and intermittent. In addition, ectopic pregnancies may also cause a person to feel dizzy or faint, as well light to heavy bleeding, or symptoms of shock. If you are pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. 

How to Prevent Discomfort During Sex When Pregnant

Discomfort or pain that occurs during or after sex is manageable. The key thing is to ensure that you have open communication with your partner, informing them of your intimacy needs as they change. This includes slowing things down during sex, or taking a break. Maintaining intimacy during your pregnancy journey is vital to both yours and your partner’s psychological wellbeing.

Other ways you can adapt your intimacy to the changes pregnancy brings are:

• Choosing sexual positions that allow the pregnant partner to be on top to reduce pressure on the stomach. 
• Using pillows for support can help the pregnant partner to sustain some positions with more comfort. 
• Using lubricants if you are experiencing vaginal dryness. Water-based lubricants are recommended especially if you are using condoms. 
• Consider alternative ways to be intimate such as oral sex, mutual massages, masturbation, especially if sex has become very difficult. 

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

See a doctor right away if while you are pregnant, you experience lower back pain, or pain around the kidneys, pain that is accompanied by consistent bleeding, or an itching or burning sensation during urination. If you are not sure, and are perhaps experiencing milder symptoms, it is still important to see a doctor in order for them to rule out any infections, and treat any infections that may be in the early stages.

In Conclusion

Whereas pregnancy comes with a variety of changes, it is possible to continue to enjoy sex throughout your journey.  throughout pregnancy is possible. As your needs change, communicate these honestly and clearly with your partner. 

As well, if you experience any symptoms that cause concern, see your doctor right away. If you find that anxiety is getting in the way of your daily routine, see a therapist to help you manage it. If you want more information regarding sexual intimacy during pregnancy, contact Los Angeles Reproductive Center at our facilities across the country.