Last week I talked about my patients who think that they're "too small" to have comfortable intercourse. I post about this topic so much because I hear it from my patients every day in the office. To complete the none-too-happy painful-sex-post trilogy, here is the quick guide to self-diagnosis of soreness, and what you can do to feel better.

IF YOU FEEL:
Discomfort at the start of intercourse
IT MAY BE:
Insufficient lubrication or not enough arousal
YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME:
Foreplay--tell him it's doctor's orders--and a great-feeling lubricant

IF YOU FEEL:
Burning sensation with intercourse (even with lube)
IT MAY BE:
Vulvodynia--persistent pain in the vulva that can happen even when not having sex
YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME:
Topical anesthetic (by prescription) and sometimes oral medication

IF YOU FEEL:
Pain or pressure with certain positions
IT MAY BE:
A retroverted uterus--your cervix can get cranky when it's bumped into
YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME:
Positions where you control how deep he goes--you on top may be best

IF YOU FEEL:
Pain with deep penetration or thrusting
IT MAY BE:
Endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME:
Make an appointment with your gyno to go over possible treatments

Has sex ever been physically uncomfortable for you? What made it better?