It hurts during sex. Do I have an STI?

Sex is a source of pleasure and joy for many people, but for some people, sometimes, it can be painful.

The causes of pain during sex are numerous. Pain can be caused by many non-sexual illnesses or conditions, such as certain cancers, endometriosis, cystitis, and cysts. Pain during sex can also be caused by sexual disorders like vulvodynia. It can also be caused by other things like a lack of proper lubrication, mismatches between genital sizes, and relationship or emotional issues.

But one factor that can cause pain during sex that isn’t as widely discussed is an STI.

Many STIs can cause pain during sexual intercourse. If you’re experiencing pain during sex, you may want to consider the possibility that you have an STI.

In this blog, we will explore which STIs cause pain during sex so that you can know if you should get tested.

What STIs can cause pain during sex?

Many STIs can cause pain during sex, so it’s important to know which STIs you may have been exposed to so you can get treated.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseira gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and can be passed on through sexual contact, including through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and other activities like sharing sex toys. It can cause pain during sexual intercourse, as well as pain during urination, unusual discharge from the genitals, vaginal bleeding between periods, and pain or swelling in the testicles.

The pain during sex caused by a Gonorrhoea infection can result from inflammation of the urethra, cervix, prostate gland, uterus, or fallopian tubes.

Chlamydia

Like Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI in the world and is also highly contagious. It spreads through sexual contact, like vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Like with Gonorrhoea, the pain experienced during sex caused by a Chlamydia infection can result from inflammation of the urethra. A Chlamydia infection can spread to deeper parts of the male genitourinary tract, such as the prostate, which can cause painful ejaculation, pelvic pain, and testicular pain. In women, Chlamydia can cause pain during sex through inflammation of the cervix and the vaginal walls.

Herpes

Unlike Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, Herpes is a viral infection. There are two types of Herpes: HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1, often known as Oral Herpes, usually infects the area around the mouth. HSV2, known as Genital Herpes, usually affects the genital area.

An HSV2 infection often causes painful blisters or open sores on or around the genitals or anus. These sores can be very sensitive and easily irritated, leading to pain during sexual contact. The infection can also cause inflammation and affect the nerves in the genital area, leading to heightened sensitivity during sexual stimulation.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is an infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite primarily infects the urethra of the infected person.

Several factors contribute to the pain experienced during sex caused by a Trichomonas infection. Like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas causes inflammation and irritation of the genital tract, including the vagina, cervix, and urethra.

Another is that a Trichomonas infection can upset the balance of vaginal flora, sometimes leading to changes in vaginal discharge. Some people with a Trichomonas infection may experience excessive vaginal dryness, which could lead to chafing or tearing during sexual intercourse.

Final thoughts

STIs don’t always have symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, pain during sex can be one of the main signs of certain STIs.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, you should get tested as soon as possible with Better2Know. Our dedicated and friendly Sexual Health Advisors can help you find the right clinic and test for you. Don’t put off securing your sexual health – make an appointment today.

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