Breaking the Silence: Women, Pain, and Pleasure

Let’s talk about conditions like vaginismus, endometriosis, and the myths that keep women suffering in silence.

Sex is supposed to feel good, right? But for so many women, pain is an unwelcome part of the equation. Conditions like vaginismus, endometriosis, and vulvodynia make pleasurable sex difficult or even impossible. The worst part? The silence surrounding these issues often leaves women feeling alone, ashamed, or gaslit by medical professionals who dismiss their pain as "normal."

The Reality of Painful Sex

Painful sex isn’t rare—it’s just rarely talked about. An estimated 75% of women experience painful sex at some point in their lives, and for many, it’s not just a one-time issue. Whether it’s caused by muscle spasms (vaginismus), chronic pelvic inflammation (endometriosis), or hypersensitivity (vulvodynia), pain should never be ignored or normalised.

The Myths Keeping Women in Pain

One of the biggest barriers to proper care is misinformation. Some common myths include:

“It’s all in your head.” No, pain during sex isn’t just psychological—it has real physical causes that deserve attention.

“Just relax” While relaxation is important, dismissing pain as a mental block ignores serious medical conditions.

“It’s supposed to hurt the first time.” While initial discomfort is common, prolonged or extreme pain is not normal.

How to Navigate Pain and Pleasure

The good news? There are ways to address and manage pain so that pleasure isn’t off the table forever. Here’s where to start:

Talk About It
Breaking the silence starts with sharing experiences. Whether with a partner, a professional, or friends, talking about pain helps dismantle shame and stigma.

Seek Medical Advice
Finding a doctor who takes sexual pain seriously is key. Pelvic floor therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Look into Products That Help
Enter OhNut—a simple yet revolutionary wearable buffer designed to help make penetration more comfortable. Adjustable, body-safe, and created by someone who’s been there, OhNut allows for intimacy without compromising comfort.

Women’s pleasure shouldn’t come with pain—and it definitely shouldn’t come with silence. Whether it’s through education, better medical support, or products like OhNut, it’s time to start prioritising pain-free, fulfilling intimacy.

Have you experienced painful sex? Let’s talk about it. The more we share, the less alone we are.