A question for all you people on the pill
 

My girlfriend has a slight issue with the pill and I thought I'd ask about it here. She first went on about a year ago, and after about 3 months sex started to become very painful and sore, as if she wasn't getting wet at all, even though she was. She came off the pill and the problem stopped. About 2 months ago, I started going out with her, and she went back on the pill (different brand I think). Anyway, within days of starting this, the same problem came back, although not as bad as before. She's since come off again, and about 2 weeks after being off it, sex is still a bit sore for her. The problem then is that if she is expecting it to be sore, she doesn't get as turned on, and so it becomes even more painful.

Has anyone heard of this problem before? It's not cystitis (sp?) and the doctor has no idea what it is. Is it just likely to be a bad reaction to the pill?

Thanks for any help.

Dryness is a known side-effect of the pill. Try using lube, and taking more time with foreplay.

She should also get tested for bacterial vaginosis and yeast, as both of those infections can cause pain during sex. The pill can make some women more prone to yeast infections.

If it goes away when she's off the pill, and she can't find a pill that doesn't do this to her, she could always try something like Depo Provera instead.

Lurkette, you nailed it. When my wife was on the pill, she was indeed prone to yeast infections and dryness. Thank you Astroglide

yeah, dryness is common when you're on the pill...she should try other brands, or alternatively find another contraceptive method.

Ultimately all you can do is use more lube and hope for the best. Unfortunately not all sex problems are completely solvable, but it is possible to adapt and adjust and have a happy sex life again.

Thanks for your replies, I don't necessarily think it was a dryness problem (she was plenty wet enough). Anyway, the problem has now gone as she's been off the pill. The only annoying thing is having to use condoms all the time, so alternative contraceptions are being investigated.