Other steps that can prevent bladder infections are wearing white cotton underwear, wiping from front to back, urinating before and after intercourse, and urinating when you feel the urge rather than holding it. The vagina might be irritated by a birth-control foam, cream or jelly that you are using. Some women react to the rubber in condoms or diaphragms. Hormone imbalances can cause a lack of desire for sex and dryness in the vaginal area. Be sure you are well lubricated during intercourse.
Inadequate lubrication can cause pain.
If it's been a while since you've seen your gynecologist, you may want to schedule an appointment with him or her and discuss your concerns. You may need lab work done to determine if you have a hormone imbalance or other problem that could cause pain with intercourse. You may have a chronic bladder infection that could be treated with antibiotics. Don't suffer with this when it might be easily treated. 882-7000 to make an appointment with a University of Missouri Health Sciences Center physician.