April 22, 2022, 4:44 am | Read time: 3 minutes
For many women, an orgasm is the crowning moment of sex–but pleasure doesn’t always end in pleasure. Some experience pain instead of ecstasy. FITBOOK asked a gynecologist what might be causing this.
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Pain During Orgasm Due to Overstimulation
Excitement builds and everything feels good–but just when it should be at its best, it suddenly becomes uncomfortable. Some women experience pulling and stabbing sensations during orgasm, while others feel actual pain that can radiate down the leg. The causes can be physical or psychological.
The clitoris, with around 8,000 nerve endings, is a highly sensitive organ of pleasure. An orgasm is a strong stimulus for the nerve network. “It can happen that the sensation is so intense it hurts,” explains Dr. Mandy Mangler, chief physician for gynecology and obstetrics at Berlin’s Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria Hospital.
Fine tears in the skin can also cause pain, though they usually heal on their own. Sometimes the clitoris is simply overstimulated from too frequent, long, and intense stimulation, making it react sensitively to the slightest touch. In this case, the only solution is to take a break and give it a rest!
Phantom Pain
Sometimes women experience pain during orgasm even when everything is physically fine again. This is known as phantom pain. “The body has stored the orgasm as something painful and reproduces these pains,” explains Dr. Mandy Mangler. “Biofeedback can help with a pain memory. In this therapy, women learn and train how to prevent the body from producing pain anymore.”
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Anxiety Causes Pain During Orgasm
Psychological causes often underlie pain during orgasm. “It’s often related to sex and one’s attitude towards it,” says Dr. Mandy Mangler. “Women associate sex with something hurtful and therefore experience orgasm as painful.” It’s advisable to explore the reasons for these negative associations. Psychotherapists or gynecologists with a focus on sexual therapy can help. “It’s best to first consult your gynecologist,” advises Mangler. “Together, you can discuss treatment options and possibly receive a referral.”
Relationship Problems
Pain during orgasm can also indicate that the relationship isn’t as perfect as it might seem. The subconscious is trying to alert us to an issue. The gynecologist advises being honest with yourself and asking: Am I happy with my partner? Or do I actually want someone else? “A painful orgasm can be an expression of an inner conflict,” explains Mangler. In general, anyone who consistently experiences pain during orgasm should seek medical advice.