Intimate Health: When Discomfort Shouldn't Be Ignored
By Dr. Chioma Ogbejesi, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Women go through many changes throughout their lives. Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, perimenopause, and menopause can all affect the body in different ways.
One area that doesn't always get enough attention is intimate health.
Burning. Dryness. Irritation. Sensitivity. Pain during intimacy.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable to talk about, and many women simply try to live with them. Some may assume the discomfort is a normal part of aging or a consequence of having children.
But persistent or recurring intimate discomfort deserves attention.
You shouldn't have to accept pain as your normal.
Intimate Health Is Part of Your Overall Health
The vulva and vagina can be affected by many physical and hormonal changes. Intimate discomfort may be related to hormonal changes, infections, skin irritation, pelvic floor concerns, childbirth, certain medications, or other gynecologic conditions.
Women may experience:
- Burning or stinging
- Dryness
- Itching or irritation
- Tenderness or soreness
- Increased sensitivity
- Pain during intimacy
- Discomfort with insertion
- Pain while sitting or exercising
- Recurring vulvar discomfort
There isn't one explanation for every symptom.
That's why understanding why you're experiencing discomfort is often more important than simply trying to cover up the symptom.
Pain During Intimacy Is More Common Than You May Think
Pain during sex is something many women experience at some point in their lives. It can occur around the vaginal opening, in the vulva, within the vagina, or deeper in the pelvis.
Possible causes include vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, infections, skin conditions, pelvic floor muscle problems, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, vulvodynia, and other gynecologic conditions.
But knowing that pain is common doesn't mean you have to ignore it.
If intimacy has become uncomfortable, tell your OB/GYN.
It may feel awkward to start the conversation, but your doctor has heard these concerns before. This is part of women's healthcare.
Hormones Can Affect Intimate Comfort
Hormonal changes can have a significant effect on intimate health.
During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels can make vaginal tissue thinner, drier, and less elastic. Some women experience burning, irritation, decreased lubrication, or pain during sex as a result.
Similar changes can also occur during other stages of life, including after childbirth and while breastfeeding.
These changes are common, but common does not mean you have to suffer without support.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include lubricants or moisturizers, prescription therapies, pelvic floor therapy, or other approaches recommended by a healthcare professional.
Don't Assume Every Symptom Is an Infection
One of the most common mistakes women can make is assuming that every episode of burning or irritation must be an infection.
There are many possible causes of vulvar and vaginal symptoms.
For example, irritation from scented soaps, wipes, sprays, or other products can cause burning and discomfort. A condition such as vulvodynia can also cause vulvar pain that may come and go or occur when the area is touched.
If symptoms continue or keep returning, it's better to find out what is causing them rather than repeatedly treating yourself without an evaluation.
Simple Ways to Support Intimate Health
There are several practical things women can do to support intimate comfort.
Keep Your Routine Gentle
The vulvar area is sensitive. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing and be cautious with fragranced soaps, feminine sprays, wipes, and other products that may irritate the area. ACOG recommends avoiding douching and scented intimate products.
Sometimes, simpler really is better.
Pay Attention to Changes
Get to know what is normal for your body.
If you notice new burning, irritation, pain, changes in skin, unusual discharge, or other symptoms that don't go away, make a note of them and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Give Yourself Time During Intimacy
For women experiencing dryness or discomfort, adequate arousal and lubrication can make intimacy more comfortable. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants may help reduce friction, depending on individual needs.
If something hurts, however, don't feel that you need to push through the pain.
Talk About It
One of the most helpful things you can do is simply start the conversation.
You can tell your OB/GYN:
“I've been experiencing discomfort during intimacy, and I'd like to understand what's causing it.”
That's enough to begin.
Your healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms and medical history and may recommend an examination or additional testing depending on what you're experiencing.
Where Does SYREN Fit Into Your Intimate-Care Routine?
For women who want to be more intentional about intimate care, choosing products created specifically with intimate comfort in mind may be one part of a broader wellness routine.
SYREN was created with women's intimate comfort in mind.
You can learn more about SYREN here:
However, an intimate-care product should not replace medical evaluation.
If you have persistent, severe, new, or unexplained symptoms, speak with your OB/GYN or another qualified healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
When Should You See Your OB/GYN?
Make an appointment if you experience:
- Frequent or severe pain during intimacy
- Persistent burning, itching, or irritation
- New or worsening vulvar pain
- Significant dryness that affects intimacy
- Unusual discharge or odor
- Unexpected bleeding
- New sores, swelling, or changes in vulvar skin
- Pain that affects exercise, sitting, sleep, or daily activities
- Symptoms that continue despite changes to your personal-care routine
Frequent or severe pain during sex should be evaluated because it can sometimes be associated with an underlying gynecologic condition.
You Don't Have to Be Embarrassed
As an OB/GYN, I want women to know that there is no shame in talking about intimate health.
Your doctor cannot help with a symptom they don't know about.
Whether you've been experiencing discomfort for a few weeks or have quietly dealt with it for years, starting the conversation is a positive step.
You deserve to understand your body.
You deserve to ask questions.
And you deserve appropriate care.
Your Comfort Matters
Women's health isn't only about reproductive health. It also means feeling comfortable and confident in your own body.
If intimate discomfort is affecting your life, don't simply tell yourself that you have to live with it.
Listen to your body. Talk to your healthcare provider. Find out what may be causing the problem.
There may be solutions, and finding the right one starts with understanding what's happening.
Your intimate health matters—and taking care of it is an important part of taking care of you.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent, severe, new, or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.