Ouch! That's a description I hear more often than you think. You're not alone. Other women also describe the sensation as sandpaper, cutting, burning, or ripping.
When a woman describes that sensation, it's usually caused by vaginal atrophy, or more likely vestibulodynia/vulvodynia. A careful exam is needed to determine exactly what's happening; proper treatment can make sex comfortable again.
It's likely that vaginal estrogen is necessary to make those tissues healthier; that alone may solve the issue. If that doesn’t completely resolve the pain, treatment options for vestibulodynia/vulvodynia should be explored.
The good news is that there is nearly always successful treatment! You can regain the intimacy you're missing in your relationship.
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.
9 comments
I just turned 60yrs old couple of weeks ago and completed menopause about 12.maybe 15 yrs ago never had a problem until about 2 and 1/2 weeks ago I had sex and yes the only way I can describe it is it feels like I’m being sliced open with razor blades so, I definitely need to try something. THANK You for the info.
This product, My Secret, is a god send. I went through menopause in my early 40’s. I was with a man who was not kind and demanded very rough sex That I didn’t want for many years. Between the two, I haven’t been able to have sex. When I have endured, it was excruciating. I’ve been using this product for a few weeks and I feel premenopausal. I have a desire again as well as enjoyment. It’s a whole new me. I’ve been reminded that I am a woman!
Thank you for the women willing to tell there stories and those that have shared their success!
Lorena, I’m sorry you are experiencing this. I would strongly recommend a visit to a gynecologist to diagnose and treat the symptoms that are causing you pain and impeding intimacy.
I am a 30 year old woman, I recently married my husband, to get straight to the point I was an escort for 10 years, the past 2 years I’ve only seen a few clients untill my husband I’ve always been healthy and safe, the past year I’ve been experiencing vaginal paiin. The past few months have been worse n worse, my husband says it feels as if I have rocks inside me and I feel like I’m being torn open, followed by a burning pulsating feeling. I’ve got no STI’s, and make sure I’m not dry, I make sure I’m plenty wet, nothing helps except abstinence. What is this? And why?? HELP!!!
Hi ladies! I am not going through menopause, nor have I had a hysterectomy, but ever since my first child was born over 6 years ago, sex has been painful…. razorblades, ripping, sandpaper feeling kind of pain. At first I thought it was all in my head, and maybe if I just relaxed it wouldn’t hurt, but nope, that never worked. Mostly I have been bearing the pain and we have to start very slowly… until i feel some pleasure, then the pleasure somehow overshadows the pain?? But as soon as I orgasm, the pain comes back…
So a couple weeks ago I went into this store called Herbally Grounded, just to look around, and ended up buying a liquid supplement called My Secret. I bought it just for overall hormone health not expecting any major changes…
I had taken the product for about 5 days (twice a day) when my husband and I had sex… It was like I had a new vagina. No pain at all. I was so surprised, And the only thing I’ve changed is taking this new supplement! We’ve had sex several times so far and NO pain!! It’s amazing!! I can’t say it will fix everyone’s problem, but it seems to have fixed mine, so I wanted to share this with as many people as I can! Look up “Herbally Grounded My Secret” online and you can order it for approximately $25. It’s worth a try anyway!
This is the description on the bottle:
“We have hormones from head to toe. When a woman’s hormones are not in harmony, it can result in mood swings, uncomfortable menstruation’s, under/overdeveloped breasts, hair loss, irritability, lack of energy and brain fog, weight gain/weight loss and premature aging, just to name a few. The amazing herbs in this formula have long been used in supporting hormone balance, including breast health & development. “