How and why do you feel this way about sex? According to Gynaecologist Dr. Sudha Tandon Dyspareunia or intercourse pain can be because of superficial and deep reasons.

Superficial reasons are exterior reasons and easy to cure while the deep ones may have something to do with your reproductive organs. Surgery may be required to cure the condition in some cases.

Superficial Reasons

• Vaginismus which is a muscle spasm at the opening of the vagina. This is an extremely painful spasm and if untreated a woman cannot have sex for years.

• Dry vagina. When you are sexually aroused your body secretes fluids that lubricate the vagina. However if you are not aroused then there is no secretion and the vagina remains very dry. If you have intercourse at this time it can be very painful.

Both these conditions are caused out of fear of sex. You fear the pain during intercourse and either cannot get aroused or get muscle spasms.

You have nothing to worry though. Both conditions can be worked out. So talk it over with your partner… voice your fears. Once he understands what you are going through, he will be more gentle and help you feel comfortable. In some cases, couple counselling is advised.

• An Intact Hymen is a very rare occurrence but if your hymen has not been torn or ruptured through sport or daily activity then intercourse can be painful. This can be treated through the hymen incision which is a minor surgical procedure.