Natural Treatments for Dyspareunia and Vaginismus

5 Habits to Adopt to Treat Pain During and After Sex

1. Regularly moisturize and nourish your intimate area. To maintain the balance of your skin and mucous membranes, it's important to use specific products like balms or moisturizing gels formulated for the intimate area. They soothe feelings of dryness and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

2. Practice pelvic relaxation exercises. You may not know this, but stress can cause tension in the pelvic area. Try exercises like abdominal breathing, yoga, or gentle stretches to loosen your pelvic muscles.

3. Do pelvic floor rehabilitation. If your pelvic floor has been weakened (after childbirth, for example), rehabilitation sessions strengthen these essential muscles. Consult a professional, such as a specialized physiotherapist, who will guide you with targeted exercises, or do exercises at home with connected catheters. You'll see, the quality of intercourse will also improve and it will even help you avoid urinary leaks.

4. Use a suitable lubricant during sexual intercourse . Choose a lubricant or intimate oil, without perfume or irritants, to reduce friction and avoid pain during intercourse.

5. Explore other forms of non-penetrative pleasure . Sex isn't just about penetration! Take the time to explore different forms of intimacy like caressing, massage, or using sex toys :)

Pain during penetration, how to treat it?

Pain during penetration is more common than you think. And you don't have to endure it in silence! Start by trying natural lubricants ; we recommend water-based ones or intimate oils. While it may seem simple, it can really make a difference by softening the sensations. Also, take the time to explore what feels good: sometimes, adjusting the position or pace can ease the pressure and make the experience more comfortable.

Comfort rings are also very popular for sexual pain . They allow the penis to limit the depth of penetration without causing discomfort. We highly recommend them!

Burning or itching sensations after intercourse, what to do?

After sex, burning or itching sensations are something we could do without. It can be due to simple irritation or sometimes vaginal dryness . Get into the habit of moisturizing your vulva with moisturizers to limit discomfort. Choose gentle products, such as a pH-neutral soap, if you don't want it to have the opposite effect, further irritating this sensitive area.

Should I re-educate my perineum?

Whether you've had a baby or not, your pelvic floor muscle is just like any other muscle, and sometimes it just needs a little help. If you're experiencing minor aches and pains, discomfort during sex , or even just a feeling of weakness, physical therapy can really help you feel more confident and reduce these discomforts. There are gentle exercises, like Kegel exercises, that you can do at home, or connected probes that guide you, if you want to go further. And if you'd rather be accompanied, a midwife or specialized physiotherapist can also help you. Don't hesitate to give it a try – it can make a real difference in your daily well-being!

This causes me anxiety before sex, how can I deal with it?

It's completely normal to feel anxious when you know something might hurt. Dyspareunia can also be psychologically difficult. What you're going through is legitimate, and there are little things you can try to calm yourself down. For example, start with moments of relaxation just before, like a breathing session or meditation to release some of the pressure. Take your time, talk about it with your partner if you feel comfortable, and explain what would help you feel good. If this anxiety really becomes a burden, you can supplement with CBD with Équilibre 10% oil . A few drops 1 hour before and you'll see a big difference. You'll be more relaxed. And don't forget, if it hurts, you have the right to stop!

Sex is not synonymous with penetration

There's no rule that says penetration is the only way to experience fulfilling sex. When you're dealing with pain like vaginismus or dyspareunia , this outlook can be particularly liberating. Exploring other forms of pleasure is an alternative that allows you to enjoy intimate moments without pain or pressure. By removing the pressure of penetration, you rediscover intimacy from a different perspective, reconnecting with the sensations that make you feel good and strengthening the bond with your partner. You can also accompany this moment with sex toys! The Mini Coco is perfect for this. Doing good is above all about listening to yourself and to others, and savoring each moment in a gentle and peaceful way, so all means are good :)

Is it normal to have pain during sex?

No, it's not "normal" to have pain during sex , but it's unfortunately common, and you're not alone in going through it. Whether it's persistent vulvar pain , a burning sensation, or pain that occurs after intercourse , these discomforts can be linked to various factors, such as an allergic reaction to certain products, a sexual disorder , or even simple muscle tension. The pain can be more acute or diffuse, but it always deserves to be listened to and treated.

What causes pain during intercourse?

Pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia , can really weigh on your mood and your intimate life. It can have different origins. In fact, there are several reasons why you might experience pain during or after intercourse . It could be vaginal pain caused by a vaginal infection, or a lack of natural lubrication, which is called vaginal dryness. It often happens with hormonal changes, but it can affect any woman at different times in her life.

But sometimes it's more complicated: some people suffer from vulvar pain or urinary tract infections that make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful.

And then there are deeper causes, like endometriosis , a condition that can cause chronic pain far beyond intercourse.

Other times, the pain is related to past experiences, sexual trauma, which causes the body to react with that pain.

If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, know that you are not alone and that there are solutions to regain comfort and pleasure. Talking to a doctor about your symptoms can make a big difference. Don't hesitate to get tested 😊