Too young to be experiencing this surely?

[Couch2Potato]

I'm 26 yo and have been with BF for 2.5 years.

In the last year, I've just lost interest in sex and "closed up" - feels tight, painful and dry.

Relationship has been quite volatile so wonder whether it's more physiological than physical?

Can anyone help on this?

Well no one can really tell you what’s going on with regards to down there, you really do need to see a doctor for a checkup though just to rule out anything else.

Do you feel up to telling us a bit more about your relationship though? Not a woman alive I know has described their relationship as volatile and not needed some support

Sorry to hear you've been having a tough time. There could be lots of reasons for this, physical as well as emotional. I would see if you can go to the local sexual health unit or similar as a bit of expert advice is needed. Are you on any medication? That can affect you as well. Good luck

Probably a lot to do with how you feel about the relationship and your partner. How do you feel when you think about having sex with other men?

It sounds as though there's more going on, you don't fancy him? Because he's been horrible I'd say that normal! Are you forcing intimacy for the sake of peace?

Yes it may well have a psychological basis if your relationship is volatile () however BF means you are in an oestrogen deficient state, similar to what happens to women in peri/menopause and vaginal dryness is a common symptom of oestrogen deficiency.

I think @slidingdrawers the OP means her boyfriend, not breastfeeding.

Thank you for pointing that out (post nights and clearly I'm not reading properly). I'm sorry OP.

Hi OP,
Sorry you’re going through this!
Are you aware of a condition called vaginismus? It’s where the muscles down below involuntarily tighten up. It’s a physical thing in that the muscles do literally tighten up BUT there’s a big psychological element to it. For example, it can occur if their is a fear of pain, it can occur from lack of trust in your partner, it can occur from previous trauma etc.

Based on what you’ve said about the relationship, it sounds like this could be a possibility?

Thanks all, I feel really nervous having to book an appointment like that but I guess it's life, right?!

Sorry, I meant BF as boyfriend not breastfeeding! My bad.

I think it’s understandable and completely natural to feel nervous but the professionals are usually really good, and want to help. I guess the first step is to either speak to your GP or there might be a clinic you can refer to directly. Make sure you ask for a female doctor if that’s what you prefer, any good luck