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  |  Women's Health  |  Gynaecological Health  |  Why am I finding arousal painful?
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Some surprising facts from the Colonel

Why am I finding arousal painful?

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I find arousal painful. Actual sex doesn't hurt, it's just the getting turned on that causes problems. It feels like an intense throbbing and can be so bad I cry sometimes. I've had it for seven years (since my first Caesarean) and it is getting worse. I have had the same partner for 13 years so it's unlikely to be an STI. Do you know what it could be?

answer
When you get aroused, the vagina lengthens and the uterus/ovaries draw further up into the abdomen. I suspect that, after the c/section, you developed adhesions (bands of scar tissue) inside which get pulled when the uterus moves up. Your GP may be willing to refer you to a specialist for assessment to see if a laparoscopy (to have a quick look inside and divide any adhesions if they are present) might help.

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