Why do partners stay silent about pain during sex and what to do about it?

Research by Italian scientists has shown that pain during sex affects both partners, but they often stay silent about their experiences: the man is afraid to insist so as not to cause pain, and the woman agrees through force so as not to upset him. This is called “silent victims” — each sacrifices their own comfort out of fear of losing the relationship, but in the end resentment and distance arise. To overcome this, it is important to acknowledge that the problem is shared, and to talk about feelings (“I’m scared,” “I’m afraid of hurting you”), and also to look together for new forms of intimacy that do not cause pain. If you recognize yourself, try starting a conversation with your partner — it’s the first step toward restoring intimacy, but remember that if necessary, you should consult a doctor.