Although one in five women will experience painful intercourse at some stage, this remains a taboo topic. Dr. Jireh Serfontain discusses possible reasons why love-making hurts, including the role of oral contraceptives and vaginismus. Treatment may incorporate specialised physiotherapy, dilators, and counselling. This problem also affects intimate relationships and partners; fortunately, medical help is available.

Sensitive content: Please note that this episode contains a candid discussion of sexual practices and is intended for adult listeners.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Jireh and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

Tip: Use earphones to listen in private.

In episode 15 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Jireh talks about

• the fact that sexual pain is not “all in the mind”

• pain during penetration as either an acute or a chronic condition

• conditions such as vulvodynia and vaginismus

• when physical pain becomes a psychological problem

• how a partner may be affected

• why an inability to use tampons may be a red flag

• what the mother of a teenage girl should alert her to

• Jireh’s three best tips for sexual satisfaction.

  Hester van Aswegen, physiotherapist focusing on pelvic floor dysfunction, explains how she treats women experiencing painful sex.

  Jireh talks about premature ejaculation, a distressing condition which is, in fact, easy to treat.

  Find out why erectile dysfunction could indicate underlying health conditions that require immediate attention.

  Jireh advises women on the pros and cons of various contraceptive options.

  Also listen to Jireh’s advice on managing sexually transmitted infections, including the stigma, shame and “STI phobia”.
  
  Lees wat Jireh te sê het oor ma-wees en haar werk op die terrein van seksuele gesondheid.

  The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM and Iono.fm.

  Jireh tells us how the Covid-19 pandemic can influence sexual function, and how we can stay safe and connected.

   

  Contact details

  Dr. Jireh Serfontein is a medical doctor from Pretoria who works exclusively in the field of sexual medicine. She is part of the team of professionals at My Sexual Health, with offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

  Dr. Jireh Serfontein: 012 816 8240

  admin@mysexualhealth.co.za

  http://drjirehserfontein.co.za/

  Image: Unsplash

  Photograph of dr. Jireh Serfontein: supplied

  Please note: These podcasts are intended purely for educational purposes and should never replace professional evaluation or discussion.

  If you have suicidal thoughts, phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7) or contact a qualified medical professional.