Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

Discomfort during intercourse is not uncommon among sexually active people. When a person is pregnant, this discomfort raises many concerns regarding the health of the pregnant person as well as that of their unborn child. While medically there is no reason why a person cannot have sex during pregnancy, about three to eighteen percent of pregnant people feel discomfort during sex. In this article we shall be discussing the causes of discomfort during intercourse while a person is pregnant.

What Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant?

Primarily, discomfort during sex while pregnant is cause by he physical and hormonal changes the body goes through during pregnancy. These in turn affect a person's feelings about sex, and could affect their libido and make sexual activity challenging. Medical issues could also affect intimacy during pregnancy. So let us dig a little deeper into what brings about discomfort during sex when one is pregnant, what can be done about it, and when to seek medical attention.

Anxiety

There are many reasons why a person would experience anxiety when they are pregnant. These range from health concerns, to planning to raise the child once born. As well, thanks to the internet, there is an overabundance of information, misinformation and disinformation from many sources, which can cause overwhelm and anxiety. Anxiety has been known to have a negative impact on sexual function, whether a person is pregnant or not. A pregnant person can also experience anxiety about sex because of concerns about harming the unborn child. 

Increased Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity during sex occurs due to the increase of blood volume throughout the body. This results in heightened sensitivity around the breasts and pelvic region. This sensitivity in some cases leads to a heightened libido and more pleasurable sex for some, and in some cases, it leads to discomfort during intercourse.

Vaginal Dryness

Typically an increase in blood flow in the body results in more lubrication in the vagina. However, when a person is pregnant, the hormonal changes could cause dryness in the vagina. This causes intercourse to be uncomfortable for some. As well, for others this could be pain ranging from mild to severe.  The good news is that lubricants and vaginal moisturisers can be used to relieve vaginal dryness, and manage discomfort when having sex. 

Infection

When a person is pregnant, the health of their bodies impacts the wellbeing and the development of the fetus. During this time, infections could pose a threat to both of them, if they are not diagnosed and treated on time. For example, urinary tract infections during pregnancy are the cause of 10 percent of deaths during pregnancy. Other infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are equally life-threatening without timely diagnosis and proper treatment.  Some symptoms of infections of this type are cloudy or smelly urine, pain around the kidneys or lower back,  or an itching or burning sensation when urinating. If you experience any of these, please see a professional healthcare provider right away.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids when a person is pregnant develop due to increased blood flow in the blood vessels around the anus and rectum. This increased blood flow could result in the swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels. This typically occurs in about 25 to 35 percent of cases, and more commonly in the third trimester of pregnancy. As a result, when having intercourse the presence of these hemorrhoids cause discomfort. The recommendation for this is to find alternative ways to experience intimacy with one’s partner, avoiding penetrative sex, until the hemorrhoids clear up. If this ‘break’ does not resolve the issue, then one must see a doctor right away. 

Your Belly

A growing belly can sometimes interfere with sexual intimacy. This means that some positions may longer be as enjoyable because of challenges sustaining these positions. This may create discouragement when one thinks about getting intimate with their partner. However, this can be managed if the sexual partners are willing to discuss the situation openly. As well, it is helpful to find alternative positions, which could result in renewed intimacy as partners explore the possibilities of what could be pleasurable.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are life-threatening and must be addressed with urgency, as they could result in death if they are not treated. The reason they are deadly is because the embryo implants itself into the fallopian tube rather than the uterine wall, which causes the fallopian tube to rupture. If any of the following symptoms are experienced during pregnancy, emergency medical care should be sought: 

• Mild and intermittent pain
• Sharp and persistent pain
• Back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Pain in the shoulder
• Heavy bleeding
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Symptoms of shock   

How to Prevent Discomfort During Sex When Pregnant

The first step into preventing discomfort during sex when one is pregnant is to communicate their discomfort to their sexual partner. As well, discomfort must be communicate to a healthcare provider. Communication with one’s partner sustains intimacy, while communication with a healthcare provider enables medical intervention where necessary. The other aspect to consider is to try alternative positions for intimacy where certain positions are uncomfortable. In the case of vaginal dryness, incorporating lubrication or vaginal moisturizing can facilitate a more comfortable experience. When it comes to intimacy during pregnancy, there are many factors that could contribute to discomfort. With openness and a willingness to adapt, it is possible for couples to manage the discomfort and maintain intimacy.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

When sexual intercourse results in pain, medical attention may be required in order to diagnose the source of the pain and treat it. Additionally, pain specifically around the kidneys or lower back, burning or itching during urination, or persistent bleeding, are causes for emergency medical attention.

In Conclusion

It is possible for one to enjoy sexual intimacy throughout their pregnancy. Typically sex when one is pregnant does not cause any major discomfort. However, medical attention must be sought when the discomfort is persistent or intense. Otherwise discomfort during intercourse, when a person is pregnant can be managed. If you would like to discuss further, or are seeking advise regarding sex during pregnancy, or have questions about family building, do not hesitate to contact the professional team at IVF Fertility Center. We are located at several locations across the country.