Leak?

[Groty]

Here's the situation:

I'm in early position with a big starting hand (let's just use AK ). I make a standard opening raise and get a call from someone playing a wired middle pair (let's say 99).

Flop hits us both: 9 K x

I lead the flop. If it's rainbow with few or no straight draws, my opponent flat calls. Given the non threatening texture of the board, I lead out on the turn as well. If he flat calls the turn, I slow down and check the river, but often call a reasonable value bet on the end. By the time the hand is over, I've dumped off a big chunk of chips.

Is this situation an unavoidable cost of playing the game or is it a leak that can be changed? Thanks