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Things You Should Have Been Taught in Sex Ed
Here's Some Sex Education You Actually Need, Including How Much Porn Is Too Much and Whether You Really Need to Pee After Sex
Let's just say there's a lot that's not always covered in sex ed.
Sometimes the sex education we learn around the world isn't, well, that educational. So we've spoken to sex educators, doctors, and medical experts of all kinds to compile some information we think everyone should have access to. This list is not exhaustive, and will probably always need adding onto, so feel free to let us know what you may still be curious about at the end!
19. Painful sex is not normal. And according to Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, pelvic floor physical therapist and author of the book, Sex Without Pain, sex is not supposed to hurt — ever! If it does, the reasons for this pain must be determined. She adds that, unfortunately, our society has normalized pain to the point where women are not seeking what could be critical care. So let's dive into reasons as to why this may be the case.
Treatments that can not only lead them to a painfree sex life, but that may also uncover medical conditions that could and should be treated in a timely manner. There is always a reason for painful sex, says Dr. Jeffcoat, but the challenge can be in finding a provider that will be the detective to help you find the reason and set up the right treatment plan. If a provider tells you "there is nothing wrong" and you are having pain, you need to switch providers. There are many reasons that sex could hurt for those with vaginas including but not limited to:
- vaginismus
- vulvodynia or vestibulodynia and subtypes of these (including clitordynia (or clitoral pain)
- endometriosis
- hymen abnormalities (such as an imperforate or septate hymen)
- vaginal septum
- local or systemic hormone deficiencies (typically estrogen and testosterone)
- Lichen sclerosus or lichens planus
- sexually transmitted infections
- Bartholin’s cyst
- Ovarian cyst
- other infections such as yeast or UTI
- vaginal ulcer
- post-operative pain due to scar tissue
The pain being "all in your head", by the way, is never a reason. If you are ever told this by a provider, you should immediately go find a new provider.
The above is just a brief excerpt from this detailed article. For 28 other things you should have been taught in sex ed, continue to the full article here.
