Is a lack of lubrication causing pain with intercourse?
When you are aroused, your body can produce natural vaginal lubrication that allows less friction and more comfortable penetration. In some circumstances however, this may not be happening, even if you feel really turned on and aroused! Without sufficient vaginal lubrication you may experience burning, stinging and even tearing.
Reasons for insufficient lubrication
Breastfeeding: If you have just had a baby and are breastfeeding (and your menstrual cycle has not yet returned) then you may experience a lack of natural lubrication – even if you are incredibly aroused. This is because breastfeeding depresses your oestrogen levels, which means a decreased production of natural vaginal lubrication. See our guide on returning to sex postnatally here.
Hormonal birth control: Taking hormonal birth control has a known side effect of reducing the amount of natural lubrication the vagina can produce due to the nature of suppressing ovulation and reducing oestrogen levels. Read more about hormonal birth control here.
Menopause: After menopause there is a drop in oestrogen levels which can result in a thinning of the vaginal walls and vaginal entrance, as well as a decrease in natural lubrication.
Lack of arousal: This could be due to many different emotional or psychological reasons. It could be that you are expecting sex to be painful or that it IS painful. Some of the many reasons you may have a lack of arousal could be due to past trauma, not feeling safe with a partner, being stressed, too tired, or unable to “switch off” your brain.
What you can do about it
Use Lubrication: You can use a good quality water based intimate cream/gel to assist with lubrication during penetration. We have designed our BIEN Water Based Intimate Gel to replicate naturally producing cervical mucus - specifically "fertile mucus". This means that it is smooth and silky whilst emulating the "egg white" consistency of our naturally occurring fertile mucus. You can purchase BIEN Water Based Intimate Gel here.
Topical vaginal oestrogen or hormonal replacement therapy (HRT): your doctor may recommend topical vaginal oestrogen or HRT if you are post-menopausal and experiencing symptoms related to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.
Change contraception methods: certain contraceptives may affect your lubrication levels more than others, e.g. the copper IUD may have less of an impact where as the pill may have more of an impact. Talk to your GP about other options. You can read more about hormonal contraceptives and painful sex here.
Talking to a sexologist or psychologist: If you think arousal or lack of desire are causing your lack of lubrication, seeing a qualified sexologist or psychologist can be a game changer!
Talk to your GP: See your GP to rule out any medical causes like infection, vaginal narrowing, or hormonal related changes.
If you have exhausted all avenues and you are still having pain with sex, it might be worthwhile seeing your local pelvic floor physio.
For more information about painful sex and pelvic pain click here
NOTE: This is general advice only and should not replace medical advice. If you have any concerns or are unsure if you have any contraindications to perineal massage, please speak to your health care provider.
