Pain in the lower abdomen and vagina

Question: I always feel pain in my lower abdomen and vagina when I am drinking tea and having sex. I don’t know what causes this pain during these specific events and I am getting worried. I really need your help; please publish some information on what I am experiencing.

Worried lady

Answer: Thank you very much for writing us your concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose your problem without proper tests. We approached gynaecologist Dr Joyce Munthali for insight on what could be causing your pain but it is advisable that you visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis treatment.

Dr Munthali said it is highly possible that you are feeling two separate pains, therefore, the pain in your lower abdomen might be caused by two entirely different conditions.

She says it is highly likely that your vaginal pain is caused by a condition known as vaginismus, a condition which affects a woman’s ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual intercourse, insertion of tampons, and the penetration involved in gynaecological examinations. This is the result of a conditioned reflex of the pubococcygeal muscle, which is sometimes referred to as the “PC muscle”. The reflex causes the muscles in the vagina to tense suddenly, which makes any kind of vaginal penetration—including sexual intercourse—painful or impossible.

It could also be caused by dyspareunia  painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. The symptom is reported almost exclusively by women, although the problem can also occur in men. The causes are often reversible, even when long-standing, but self-perpetuating pain is a factor after the original cause has been removed. It is a common condition that affects up to one-fifth of women at some point in their lives.

“This pain might also be a symptom of a pelvic infection, which is why it is very important that she comes in for a proper check up.

“Depending on the cause, treatment might include counselling and will require that her partner be patient as she strives to get to level where she is comfortable with vaginal penetration,” says Munthali suggesting that tests should be run.