TOKYO—A recent survey conducted by Iroha, the sister brand of the leading Japanese adult pleasure brand TENGA, has revealed that 41% of American women have experienced pain during penetration.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll, also found that almost half (48%) kept the issue to themselves and only 46% sought a solution to the problem.
For some, the pain is temporary while for others, it can be long-term While there are many reasons those with vulvas might feel pain during sex from vaginismus, and performance anxiety, to vaginal dryness, the survey revealed that 18% of women from America have frequently experienced pain during penetrative sex while nearly half (51%) experienced pain now and again. For some women, this pain is only a temporary problem while for others, it can be long-term.
Two-thirds of American women feel anxious about sex
Whether it's feeling insecure about sexual performance, what they look like to their partners, or a past traumatic experience, sexual anxiety is multi-layered and complex, according to Iroha.
The survey found that 66% of American women felt anxious regarding sex due to a lack of self-confidence; 49% of American women were anxious due to inexperience or not having had sex in a while and 32% of American women’s sexual anxiety stemmed from a past traumatic experience.
On top of that, 19% of American women felt anxious about sex due to concerns about penis size, the survey said.
Rika Adachi, Global Marketing Manager at Iroha, says, “Anxiety around sex is a very common problem and can show up in a number of different ways such as a difficulty to get aroused or feel interested in sex. What is however clear is that there are many reasons why someone might struggle with sexual anxiety which can even include the stress of modern living or the expectation that you must be having mind-blowing sex all the time.
"The main point to consider is the importance of communication. Communication can not only make you more comfortable, but it can also help you identify the root of your sexual anxiety and help you work toward a more fulfilling sex life.”
Nearly half of American women suffer in silence
For many who experience pain during penetrative sex, there can also be feelings of stress and shame which can lead to feeling isolated, according to Iroha. Indeed, of those who had experienced pain with penetrative sex, nearly half (48%) of US women have not talked to someone.
However, of those who did try to seek a solution to painful penetrative sex, 67% said that the treatment worked, the survey found.
Intimidated by size and shape
Sex toys and masturbation are a great way to help feel less stressed, and even prevent anxiety, but the plethora of options can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to insertable pleasure items, according to the survey.
The survey discovered that 23% of American women felt concerned or overwhelmed about the idea of using a sex toy; and 23% of American women who have used sex toys before felt intimidated by the size of sex toys on the market.
The Iroha koharu is the Japanese pleasure brand's first slim and compact self-pleasure product that lowers the hurdle for those who might be new or curious about insertable pleasure. With its non-threatening design, the company said it will appeal to those who might feel anxious about using an insertable pleasure toy as well as those who would like to feel more comfortable with penetration and have a desire to explore self-pleasure.
Rika Adachi says, “This survey sheds light on the significant number of women who have experienced pain with penetrative sex. However, what is more alarming is the number of women who are suffering in silence. By opening up the conversation, we hope more women will feel comfortable speaking with either a medical professional or a close friend, to know that they are not alone and that there are options available to them.”
The Iroha koharu is available here.
