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Question: I have recently noticed pain right before orgasm. This pain originates in the clitoris and sort of extends up the right side of my mons. It occurs right before orgasm, and goes away as I orgasm...pain turns to the normal pleasure. What could be causing this pain? I am also quite sensitive afterwards...as if there were a bruise or damage done to the clitoris. I have also checked for any signs of infection as stated in your other posts. This has only started happening in the past few months - any thoughts?? Anything else I should be looking for?

P.S. I did just go to the doctor to have them check for signs of any infection, however, I did not mention the pain.

Answer: I am not sure what is the cause of your pain, but I suspect something is putting tension on the ligaments that attach to your clitoris. The round ligaments connect to your uterus on one end, and to your vulva on the other, passing over the pubic bone and under the pubic mound in the process. The clitoral suspensory ligament has two layers, an outer that extends from the fatty tissue of the pubic mound to the clitoris, and an inner one that attaches to the clitoris and pubic bone, at the base of the clitoral body. Several muscles anchor to the clitoris. Look at the illustrations in the first book listed in the Anatomy section, A New View of a Woman's Body.

Something to consider is whether body position affects things. Do you require a lot of thigh tension to experience orgasm? What happens if you masturbate and experience orgasm with legs together versus apart? What is the state of your pelvic muscles? Can you insert something into your vagina? Perhaps a massage or physical therapist could help out. Your pelvic muscles could be strained or things could be out of alignment.

I highly recommend you talk to your doctor about the pain. I would hope they are professional when dealing with sexual issues.