What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is a medical term for painful intercourse or painful sex. Due to this condition, women may experience discomfort or pain when using tampons. If you have dyspareunia, you will face extreme pain in the genitals or inside the pelvic region. The pain associated with dyspareunia is recurring and typically arises during sexual intercourse. It can be sharp or intense and occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.

This problem is more common in women than in men. There are several reasons behind this, and thankfully, it can be treated effectively. Doctors today offer various medical solutions to help manage and control the problem of painful intercourse.

What are the Causes?

Various conditions can cause painful sex. While some women believe that dyspareunia is a sign of physical problems, others experience it due to emotional factors. Some of its physical causes can be vaginal dryness due to menopause, breastfeeding, medications, or lack of arousal before intercourse. Additionally, skin ulcers, urinary tract infections, and other factors can also cause pain. Trauma due to childbirth, episiotomy, or pelvic surgery can lead to painful sex. Vaginitis, endometriosis, and cystitis are also known to cause painful intercourse.

What are the Symptoms of Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia pain varies from one person to another. The pain can occur in different parts of the pelvic region, such as the vagina, bladder, or urethra. Pain during or after penetration can signify that you are suffering from dyspareunia. You might also feel discomfort while using tampons and experience symptoms like burning, itching, or aching. If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is best to consult a specialist doctor.

How is Dyspareunia Diagnosed?

There are several methods to diagnose dyspareunia. Doctors typically start with a thorough medical history and ask about your sexual history. They might inquire about where you feel the pain, the circumstances or positions that cause the pain, and any activities that lead to severe discomfort. Additionally, questions about other conditions that lead to pelvic pain may be asked.

A pelvic examination may be conducted to detect problematic areas. This involves checking the internal and external floor of the pelvic region. A Pap test might be done using a speculum to examine the vagina, and cotton swabs may be used to apply pressure in different areas of the vagina.

Initial examinations can include pelvic ultrasound, urine tests, allergy tests, and counseling to determine if there are any emotional causes.

What are the Treatments Available?

Fortunately, various effective treatments are available for dyspareunia. Initial treatments often involve medications to address the underlying condition. If an infection causes painful sex, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, or injectable corticosteroids may be prescribed. If long-term medications cause vaginal dryness, your physician might change your prescription to maintain natural lubrication in your vagina.

Alternative therapies, such as home remedies, can also help alleviate symptoms. Using water-soluble lubricants, having sex when relaxed, emptying your bladder before sex, and taking a warm bath can be beneficial. Desensitization therapy, also known as sex therapy, teaches vaginal relaxation techniques and can be very effective.

What are the Preventions to be Taken?

While there are no definitive prevention measures for dyspareunia, certain steps can reduce intercourse pain. Post-childbirth, it is advisable to wait for almost six weeks before resuming sexual intercourse. Using water-soluble lubricants during intercourse can help if you experience vaginal dryness. Maintaining proper hygiene and using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases are also important preventive measures.