2 in 5 young women will experience vaginal discomfort and painful penetration. You are not alone.
Some common conditions that can be at the root of the problem for young women are:
Painful penetration (Vaginismus): Sex can be many things - fun, spontaneous, exciting, and relaxing, but for some women, sex is a source of fear, anxiety and pain. Involuntary spasms and tightening, called Vaginismus, is a psycho-physical condition that causes the muscles of the pelvic floor to contract in anticipation of pain. Often accompanied by burning / stinging pain in response to attempted penetration. Vaginismus can make it painful to insert a tampon/menstrual cup, causes discomfort with gynecologic exams and intercourse.
Vaginal Imbalance (Dysbiosis) and Infections: Vaginal imbalance can lead to bacterial baginosis (BV) yeast and bacterial infections (vaginitis). Symptoms include vaginal irritation, itchiness, burning, odorous discharge, and painful sex. Vaginal infections occur when the protective natural acidity and balance of healthy vaginal microbiome is disrupted with hormonal fluctuations, long term use of contraceptives and medications, or with unprotected sex.
Vaginal Pain (Volvodynia): Vulvodynia (and Vulvar Vestibulitis) is persistent, unexplained chronic pain in the vulva. The vulva is the female genital area including the skin surrounding the opening of the vagina. Symptoms include burning, stinging, soreness, itching, rawness at the vaginal opening (Vestibulitis) and pain during sex.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus migrates to the lower abdomen, pelvis or vagina. This causes inflammation during menstrual cycles with shifts in estrogen, which lead to vaginal pain. Hormonal therapies for endometriosis that control estrogen to prevent tissue flare-ups, can cause vaginal dryness and painful sex.