TMI - painful sex

[7swans]

Sex has been painful for me since I got pregnant. Almost like my vagina is swollen or something. So we haven't done anything since January but we tried again yesterday and everything hurt. It felt like everything that touched me was burning - the lube, his finger, everything. We didn't even get past a fingertip, and we were taking our time. We use a glycerin, paraben, and fragrance-free lube, so I don't think it was that. I'm going to try using something like coconut oil instead next time, just in case.

I'm also going to ask my doctor to check for yeast/BV even thought I am not itchy at all and nothing hurts when I leave it alone. Has anyone else had this problem or have suggestions for what else I can try? It's really upsetting me not only because it's affecting our sex life, but because I know that things are going to have to stretch out to accommodate a baby and right now just a finger hurts like the dickens.

[cookie_]

I had a similar-sounding problem for several months. You're feeling the pain upon superficial penetration, correct? Initially I assumed that it was a yeast/bv infection, but after ruling out both of those possibilities, I was at a loss. My midwife sent me to a physical therapist who specializes in the pelvic floor muscles. It sounds weird, but it's been working! Basically, she says that sometimes the vaginal muscles get thin, the blood doesn't flow correctly to the area (she said there are various reasons for this), so it constricts and causes pain (she said it much more "scientifically" than this, I'm just summarizing the essentials). I've been going for 2 weeks now, twice a week, for treatment and it has made a major difference. I was freaking out too - not so much on the intimacy front with my partner because I'm just so big and pregnant now that's starting to take a back seat - but because I was like, geez, if I can't have anyone touch me without yelping in pain, how am I going to give birth in 9 or so weeks! If you want more details on the treatment, PM me and I'll be happy to explain in more graphic details. Good luck!

[7swans]

Originally Posted by cookie_

I was freaking out too - not so much on the intimacy front with my partner because I'm just so big and pregnant now that's starting to take a back seat - but because I was like, geez, if I can't have anyone touch me without yelping in pain, how am I going to give birth in 9 or so weeks!

That's exactly how I feel! I've been preparing for a natural birth and I feel like I can handle it, but this does not feel "right" or healthy and my calm birthing vibes are totally going out the window! I'm going to PM you for more info about the physical therapy. I really wish I had talked to my doctor about this sooner, but I didn't realize how bad it had gotten. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's something simple like yeast (the only thing that really makes me suspect this is the fact the the burning sensation was present on my entire vulva). If it's not, I hope I still have time to be referred to someone!