Sex should always feel pleasurable (unless, of course, you're into some BDSM...). (and author of Even though your vagina is a natural self-lubricator, if you're not turned on enough or boozed too much at the bar, you could suffer from dryness.

But if you're experiencing discomfort in your nether regions, abandon ship until you figure out what the hell is going on down there. Just use lube, or for chronic issues, a vaginal moisturizer like Replens.

The study authors admit in the paper that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are underrepresented in the findings.

With those caveats, here are some interesting findings: This kind of pain could be caused by a number of things, from not being wet enough to having a too-tight fit with your partner, study co-author Debby Herbenick, Ph.

The study participants answered questions about experiencing pain during sex, including how long the pain lasted, and where on their bodies they felt the pain.

The researchers limited their data to self-reported men and women who said that their most recent sexual encounter was either anal or vaginal sex with an opposite-gender partner.

Lubricants are made with different chemicals, which can throw off your vagina's p H balance—the same goes for products like latex condoms.

During a pelvic laparoscopy, your doctor uses an instrument called a laparoscope to examine your reproductive organs.

A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and high-resolution camera.

One method of contraception is female sterilisation.

Female sterilisation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, but can be carried out under local anaesthetic, depending on the method used.