Exploring Sexual Pain in Women: Breaking the Taboo
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
Introduction
Sexual pain in women, a topic long shrouded in taboo and silence, is finally emerging from the shadows of stigma to receive the attention and understanding it deserves. Far from being a rare occurrence, sexual pain affects a significant number of women worldwide, impacting their physical, emotional, and relational well-being. This article delves into the complex landscape of sexual pain, shedding light on its prevalence, causes, and the imperative need to dismantle the societal taboos that surround it.
Understanding Sexual Pain
Sexual pain, clinically referred to as dyspareunia, encompasses a spectrum of discomfort or pain experienced during sexual activity, including penetration, intercourse, or other forms of genital stimulation. While occasional discomfort may be common, persistent or severe pain during sex is not normal and warrants attention and intervention.
Research indicates that repeated sexual pain affects approximately 20-30% of women globally, while 75% of women have experienced pain during sex. These numbers may be underreported due to stigma and other social factors. The etiology of sexual pain is multifactorial, encompassing physiological, psychological, hormonal, physical, and relational factors, making it a complex and challenging condition to address. Sometimes it can be caused by known gynecological issues such as cysts or endometriosis, while other times the explanation is completely undetectable.
Breaking the Taboo
Despite its prevalence and impact on women’s lives, sexual pain remains largely overlooked and under-discussed, perpetuating feelings of shame, isolation, and inadequacy among affected individuals. Societal taboos surrounding female sexuality contribute to this silence, fostering a culture of secrecy and misinformation that impedes access to support and treatment. Taboo has been promulgated due to years of repression and traditional societal gender norms. It is important to recognize that these norms can look vastly different within and among different cultures. However, in most cultures, sexuality is generally considered less socially acceptable for women to discuss than it is for men. In western society, this is often referred to as the sexual double standard, and can result in isolation and rejection for sexually curious young women while their male peers are celebrated for the same curiosity.
The taboo surrounding sexual pain often manifests in societal attitudes and beliefs that dismiss or minimize women’s experiences, attributing discomfort to lack of arousal, psychological issues, or relationship problems. While these can all contribute to female sexual pain, many times these explanations undermine the complexity of the situation. Such narratives not only invalidate women’s lived experiences but also exacerbate feelings of guilt, self-blame, and inadequacy, further fueling the cycle of silence and shame.
The Impact of Sexual Pain
Beyond the physical discomfort, sexual pain can have profound implications for women’s overall well-being and quality of life. Studies have linked sexual pain to a range of adverse outcomes, including decreased sexual satisfaction, relationship distress, and psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, untreated sexual pain can perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and fear of intimacy, further compromising women’s sexual health and relational fulfillment.
Challenges in Seeking Help
One of the primary barriers to addressing sexual pain is the reluctance or hesitancy women may feel in seeking help or discussing their symptoms with healthcare providers. Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or dismissal of their concerns often deter women from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, prolonging their suffering and exacerbating the impact on their well-being.
Additionally, healthcare providers may lack adequate training or awareness of sexual pain and sexuality, leading to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and/or failure to address underlying issues contributing to the pain. This underscores the critical need for education and training initiatives to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognize, assess, and manage sexual pain in women effectively.
Lastly, the cofactors of conditions like endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders can also cause pain, which can compound and add complexity to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual pain.
Empowering Women Through Education and Advocacy
Central to addressing sexual pain is the empowerment of women through education, advocacy, and destigmatization efforts. Open and honest conversations about sexual health, pleasure, and pain are essential in challenging societal norms and dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding female sexuality.
Furthermore, initiatives that prioritize women’s agency, autonomy, and bodily sovereignty play a crucial role in fostering a culture of empowerment and self-advocacy. By providing women with the information, resources, and support they need to address sexual pain, we can empower them to reclaim control over their bodies, health, and sexual experiences.
Educational and Advocacy Efforts
Several organizations and initiatives are dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for individuals affected by sexual pain. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is a leading organization committed to advancing the study and treatment of women's sexual health and promoting access to evidence-based care. The Vulval Pain Society offers information, support, and resources for individuals experiencing vulval pain, including dyspareunia.
All Women May or May Not Experience Sexual Pain
While sexual pain is a prevalent issue, it is essential to acknowledge that not all women do experience it. Factors such as age, hormonal changes, medical conditions, psychological factors, relationship dynamics, and past trauma can contribute to the development of sexual pain in some women over time. Additionally, the severity and frequency of sexual pain can vary widely among affected individuals, ranging from occasional discomfort to debilitating pain that significantly impairs sexual function and quality of life.
Women's Health Companies Innovating in This Space
Traditionally, pain has been ignored or loosely treated in a gynecological setting through tools like dilators. However, lately, several companies have been pioneering innovative solutions to address sexual pain and promote women’s sexual health and well-being. Unbound offers a range of sexual wellness products designed by women, for women, including lubricants, vibrators, and educational resources. JoyLux is a device that helps naturally increase intimate pleasure and sensation through red-light therapy. Ohnut provides tools that help relieve symptoms of pain during intercourse. Lastly, Aquafit gels couple vaginal muscle training with lubrication through plants to help relax and hydrate in intimacy.
Natural Remedies and Plant Medicines
There are also several traditional natural treatments for sexual concerns. Herbal treatments, such as ashwagandha, maca, vitex, and other plants can help correct hormonal imbalances that could contribute to pain. Meanwhile, natural oils like coconut oil can serve as natural lubricants. Osteopathic therapy, trigger point therapy, acupuncture, and acupressure treatments, have also shown pain relief. Lastly, traditional psychedelic plant medicines, as well as cannabis, have been shown to increase sexual function, which in various ways could be linked to pain. Of course, the treatment of any mental and psychological conditions cannot be overlooked when treating physically, and each case is unique.
Outlook on the Future
As societal taboos surrounding sexual pain continue to erode, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on comprehensive sexual health education, destigmatization efforts, and access to specialized care for women experiencing sexual pain. By fostering open dialogue, challenging harmful narratives, and advocating for women’s sexual autonomy, we can create a future where sexual pain is acknowledged, understood, and effectively addressed, empowering women to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Great potential is available in alternative medicine, as well as with companies innovating in the sexual wellness space. Within the next 5-10 years, we predict a movement towards plant medicine and Eastern medicine in addition to traditional treatment modalities of sexual pain.
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.
