Discomfort During Intercourse, While Pregnant

Whereas some people may have misgivings about having sexual intercourse while pregnant, medically, there is no harm in having sex while you are pregnant. However, about three to eighteen percent of women who are pregnant experience some type or level of discomfort when having sex. The reasons for this are varied and the discomfort could occur during or after the sexual act itself. So let us address some of the factors that would make sex uncomfortable when one is pregnant. Hopefully, our suggestions on how you can manage this will be helpful.

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 pregnacy. So let us dig a little deeper into what brings about discomfort during sex when one is pregnant.

Anxiety

Anxiety during pregnancy could be caused by many things and what causes or triggers this anxiety varies from one person to another. Studies have shown that anxiety has a negative impact on sexual function, to the degree that one could find it completely unpleasant. Tr typical concern regarding sex during pregnancy is harming the child. While this is a normal concern, there is no evidence that when a pregnant person has sex it is harmful to the unborn child. 

Increased Sensitivity

One of the changes that happens internally when a person becomes pregnant is that blood volume increases. As a result, a person may experience increased sensitivity around the pelvic area and their breasts. While for some this will be a positive development, for others, it could create discomfort during sexual intimacy.

Vaginal Dryness

The irony of increased blood flow is that, on one hand, it creates more lubrication in the vaginal area, but at the same time, one could still experience vaginal dryness as a result of the hormonal changes as a result of the pregnancy. This discomfort can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, but it can be managed with lubricants and vaginal mousturizers. 

Infection

Infections can come as a result of many factors, and some could pose a threat to both mother and child. Urinary tract I, infections, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis are life-threatening and should be addressed in time. Across the world for example, 10 percent of deaths are as a result of urinary tract infections during pregnancy. If you experience a burning or itching sensation when urinating, cloudy or smelly urine, or pain around the kidneys or the es around your lower back, see a doctor immediately.

Hemorrhoids

In the third trimester of pregnancy, it is possible for a person to develop hemorrhoids. In fact about 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people do. Hemorrhoids are a swelling or inflammation inflammation of the veins around the rectum or anus. In pregnancy, this is caused by the increase in blood volume. Consequently, one may experience not only discomfort, but pain especially during penetratie sex. Using alternative ways to achieve intimacy may give ye hemorrhoids time to clear, but see a doctor if they do not clear up. 

Your Belly

While a growing belly is expected when one is pregnant, it may ‘get in the way’ of some previously enjoyable sexual positions. Though this may be discouraging, it may provide he opportunity for sexual partners to explore different positions. A word of caution though, is to avoid positions that would poly pressure on the growing belly. As well, using pillows for support may help were a position may be more challenging oto get into or sustain. The good news is that one is not pregnant foreve, therefore sexual intimacy is likely to go back to its regular rhythm.

Ectopic Pregnancy

While an embryo typically implants itself into the uterine wall, at times it may implant within the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. If one such pregnancy is not addressed right away, it could rupture the fallopian tube resulting in death. 

Since there are symptoms that usually come before ectopic pregnancies, the situation can be treated under emergency care. The first symptom is often mild and intermittent, or sharp an persitent pain. The pain could present in the back or pelvis, or in the neck and shoulder. As well, heavy bleeding, dizziness, feeling faint, or symptoms of shock.   

How to Prevent Discomfort During Sex When Pregnant

Since the effects of pregnancy directly impact a person's libido, it is crucial for the pregnant person to communicate their sexual needs with their partner, even as the needs change or vary. Discomfort or pain must also be addressed for both medical as well as intimacy purposes. Slowing down, changing positions, lubrication, pillows and alternative ways for intimacy are ways to manage discomfort during sex while pregnant. However, feel free to explore and discover what works best for you and your partner. 

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Painful Sex During Pregnancy

Painful sex must be addressed by a professional healthcare provider, especially if it causes pain in the lower back or around the kidneys, itching or burning while urinating, or pain accompanied by persistent bleeding. If te discomfort is mild, it still should be checked out by a medical professional, to rule out or catch any infections early enough.

In conclusion

Sex during pregnancy can be enjoyable all throughout pregnancy and even as one gets closer to their due date. Sex in and of itself is not typically a cause for discomfort during sexual intercourse when one is pregnant. While there are ways to manage theis discomfort, sometimes it requires medical attention to resolve. If you need further medical advice regarding discomfort during sex when you are pregnant, contact the experts at Virginia Fertility & IVF for further support, at our various locations countrywide.