Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. The term is used almost exclusively in women, although the problem can also occur in men. The causes are often reversible, even when long-standing, but self-perpetuating pain is a factor after the original cause has been removed. Dyspareunia is considered to be primarily a physical, rather than an emotional, problem until proven otherwise. In most instances of dyspareunia, there is an original physical cause. Extreme forms, in which the woman's pelvic floor musculature contracts involuntarily, is termed vaginismus.
Painful intercourse can be difficult to talk about. If you're experiencing painful intercourse, you may wonder if the pain is all in your head or the result of something you're doing wrong in bed. After all, sex is supposed to be pleasurable, right?
The truth is that sex isn't pleasurable or pain-free for all women all the time. In fact, many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives, for a variety of very normal reasons. The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia — which is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse and that causes you personal distress. And painful intercourse is worth talking about, because there are treatments that can help eliminate or reduce this common problem.
Causes:
Causes of painful intercourse vary by the location of the pain.
Causes of entry pain-
Pain during penetration may be associated with a range of factors, including:
* Inadequate lubrication. This is often the result of not enough foreplay. Inadequate lubrication is also commonly caused by a drop in estrogen levels after menopause, after childbirth or during breast-feeding. In addition, certain medications are known to inhibit desire or arousal, which can decrease lubrication and make sex painful. These include antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, antihistamines and certain birth control pills.
* Injury, trauma or irritation. This includes injury or irritation from an accident, pelvic surgery, female circumcision, episiotomy or a congenital abnormality.
* Inflammation, infection or skin disorder. An infection in your genital area or urinary tract can cause painful intercourse. Eczema or other skin problems in your genital area also can be the problem.
* Reactions to birth control products. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to foams, jellies or latex. Pain may also be caused by an improperly fitted diaphragm or cervical cap.
* Vaginusmus. Involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall (vaginismus) can make attempts at penetration very painful.
* Vestibulitis. Painful penetration also occurs in a condition called vestibulitis, which is characterized by unexplained stinging or burning around the opening of your vagina.
Causes of deep pain-
Deep pain usually occurs with deep penetration and may be more pronounced with certain positions. Causes include:
* Certain illnesses and conditions. The list includes endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids, cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and ovarian cysts.
* Infections. An infection of your cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes can cause deep pain.
* Surgeries or medical treatments. Scarring from surgeries that involve your pelvic area, including hysterectomy, can sometimes cause painful intercourse. In addition, medical treatments for cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can cause changes that make sex painful.
Emotional factors-
Emotions are deeply intertwined with sexual activity and may play a role in any type of sexual pain. Emotional factors include:
* Psychological problems. If you experience anxiety, depression, concerns about your physical appearance, fear of intimacy or relationship problems, it can contribute to painful intercourse.
* Stress. Your pelvic floor muscles are very sensitive to stress. So stress can lead to painful intercourse.
* History of sexual abuse. Most women with dyspareunia don't have a history of sexual abuse, but if you have been abused, it may play a role.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether psychological factors are a cause or result of dyspareunia. Initial pain can lead to fear of recurring pain, making it difficult to relax, which can lead to more pain.
Symptoms:
Researchers estimate that up to 60 percent of women experience episodes of genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. But the location of pain and frequency of pain varies greatly. If you experience painful intercourse, you may feel:
* Pain with every penetration, even while putting in a tampon.
* Pain with certain partners or just under certain circumstances.
* New pain after previously pain-free intercourse.
* Superficial (entry) pain.
* Deep pain during thrusting, which is often described as "something being bumped".
* Burning pain or aching pain.
Most women with dyspareunia complain of superficial pain, which occurs upon penetration.
Diagnosis:
If you have recurrent pain during sex, talking to your doctor is the first step in resolving it. Primary care doctors and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit, and you can take this opportunity to discuss your concerns. Your regular doctor may diagnose and treat the problem or refer you to a specialist who can.
A medical evaluation for dyspareunia usually consists of:
A thorough medical history- Your doctor may ask when your pain began, exactly where it hurts, how it feels, and if it happens with every sexual partner and every sexual position. Your doctor may also inquire about your sexual history, surgical history and previous childbirth experiences. Don't let embarrassment stop you from giving candid answers. These questions provide clues to the cause of your pain.
A pelvic examination- During a pelvic exam, your doctor can check for signs of skin irritation, infection or anatomical problems. He or she may also try to identify the location of your pain through gentle touch of the genital area and pelvic muscles, and a speculum examination of the vagina. Some women who experience painful intercourse are also uncomfortable during a pelvic exam, no matter how gentle the doctor is. You can ask to stop the exam at any time if it's too painful.
Additional tests- If your doctor suspects certain causes of painful intercourse, he or she might also recommend a pelvic ultrasound or laparoscopy — a minor surgical procedure in which a slender viewing instrument (laparoscope) is used to view your pelvic organs.
Treatment:
Painful intercourse used to be viewed primarily as a psychological problem that required psychological treatment. Fortunately, that view is outdated. Researchers and doctors now understand the many causes of dyspareunia and recommend an integrated, multifaceted treatment approach. Your particular treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain, but treatment may include:
Hygiene habits
Avoid scented bath products, such as body washes and shower gels. These products can irritate your genital area and zap your natural lubrication, particularly if you overuse them. Skip douching as well.
Sexual techniques and counseling
You and your partner may be able to minimize pain with a few changes to your sexual routine:
Switch positions- If you experience sharp pain during thrusting, the penis may be striking your cervix or stressing the pelvic floor muscles, causing aching or cramping pain. Changing positions may help. You can try being on top of your partner during sex. Women usually have more control in this position, so you may be able to regulate penetration to a depth that feels good to you.
Communicate- Talk about what feels good and what doesn't. If you need your partner to go slow, say so.
Don't rush to the main event- Longer foreplay can help stimulate your natural lubrication. And you may reduce pain by delaying penetration until you feel fully aroused.
Use lubricants- A water-based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly or Astroglide, can make sex more comfortable. If contraceptive creams cause irritation or dryness, try a different preparation or ask your doctor about switching to another type of birth control.
Medications and therapies
In some cases, medications or therapy are necessary to treat painful intercourse.
Treating underlying conditions- If an infection or medical condition is contributing to your pain, treating the underlying cause may resolve your problem. Changing medications known to cause lubrication problems also may eliminate your symptoms.
Estrogen therapy- For most postmenopausal women, dyspareunia is caused by inadequate lubrication resulting from low estrogen levels. Often, this can be treated with a prescription cream, tablet or flexible vaginal ring.
Other medications- In some cases, your doctor may suggest an oral prescription pain medication or injections of pain medications into the site of the pain.
Desensitization therapy- During this therapy, you learn vaginal relaxation exercises that can decrease pain. Your therapist may recommend pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) or other techniques to decrease pain with intercourse.
Counseling or sex therapy- If sex has been painful for a long time, you may experience a negative emotional response to sexual stimulation even after treatment. If you and your partner have avoided intimacy because of painful intercourse, you may also need help improving communication with your partner and restoring sexual intimacy. Talking to a counselor or sex therapist can help resolve these issues.
Painful intercourse can be difficult to talk about. If you're experiencing painful intercourse, you may wonder if the pain is all in your head or the result of something you're doing wrong in bed. After all, sex is supposed to be pleasurable, right?
The truth is that sex isn't pleasurable or pain-free for all women all the time. In fact, many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives, for a variety of very normal reasons. The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia — which is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse and that causes you personal distress. And painful intercourse is worth talking about, because there are treatments that can help eliminate or reduce this common problem.
Causes:
Causes of painful intercourse vary by the location of the pain.
Causes of entry pain-
Pain during penetration may be associated with a range of factors, including:
* Inadequate lubrication. This is often the result of not enough foreplay. Inadequate lubrication is also commonly caused by a drop in estrogen levels after menopause, after childbirth or during breast-feeding. In addition, certain medications are known to inhibit desire or arousal, which can decrease lubrication and make sex painful. These include antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, antihistamines and certain birth control pills.
* Injury, trauma or irritation. This includes injury or irritation from an accident, pelvic surgery, female circumcision, episiotomy or a congenital abnormality.
* Inflammation, infection or skin disorder. An infection in your genital area or urinary tract can cause painful intercourse. Eczema or other skin problems in your genital area also can be the problem.
* Reactions to birth control products. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to foams, jellies or latex. Pain may also be caused by an improperly fitted diaphragm or cervical cap.
* Vaginusmus. Involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall (vaginismus) can make attempts at penetration very painful.
* Vestibulitis. Painful penetration also occurs in a condition called vestibulitis, which is characterized by unexplained stinging or burning around the opening of your vagina.
Causes of deep pain-
Deep pain usually occurs with deep penetration and may be more pronounced with certain positions. Causes include:
* Certain illnesses and conditions. The list includes endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids, cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and ovarian cysts.
* Infections. An infection of your cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes can cause deep pain.
* Surgeries or medical treatments. Scarring from surgeries that involve your pelvic area, including hysterectomy, can sometimes cause painful intercourse. In addition, medical treatments for cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can cause changes that make sex painful.
Emotional factors-
Emotions are deeply intertwined with sexual activity and may play a role in any type of sexual pain. Emotional factors include:
* Psychological problems. If you experience anxiety, depression, concerns about your physical appearance, fear of intimacy or relationship problems, it can contribute to painful intercourse.
* Stress. Your pelvic floor muscles are very sensitive to stress. So stress can lead to painful intercourse.
* History of sexual abuse. Most women with dyspareunia don't have a history of sexual abuse, but if you have been abused, it may play a role.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether psychological factors are a cause or result of dyspareunia. Initial pain can lead to fear of recurring pain, making it difficult to relax, which can lead to more pain.
Symptoms:
Researchers estimate that up to 60 percent of women experience episodes of genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. But the location of pain and frequency of pain varies greatly. If you experience painful intercourse, you may feel:
* Pain with every penetration, even while putting in a tampon.
* Pain with certain partners or just under certain circumstances.
* New pain after previously pain-free intercourse.
* Superficial (entry) pain.
* Deep pain during thrusting, which is often described as "something being bumped".
* Burning pain or aching pain.
Most women with dyspareunia complain of superficial pain, which occurs upon penetration.
Diagnosis:
If you have recurrent pain during sex, talking to your doctor is the first step in resolving it. Primary care doctors and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit, and you can take this opportunity to discuss your concerns. Your regular doctor may diagnose and treat the problem or refer you to a specialist who can.
A medical evaluation for dyspareunia usually consists of:
A thorough medical history- Your doctor may ask when your pain began, exactly where it hurts, how it feels, and if it happens with every sexual partner and every sexual position. Your doctor may also inquire about your sexual history, surgical history and previous childbirth experiences. Don't let embarrassment stop you from giving candid answers. These questions provide clues to the cause of your pain.
A pelvic examination- During a pelvic exam, your doctor can check for signs of skin irritation, infection or anatomical problems. He or she may also try to identify the location of your pain through gentle touch of the genital area and pelvic muscles, and a speculum examination of the vagina. Some women who experience painful intercourse are also uncomfortable during a pelvic exam, no matter how gentle the doctor is. You can ask to stop the exam at any time if it's too painful.
Additional tests- If your doctor suspects certain causes of painful intercourse, he or she might also recommend a pelvic ultrasound or laparoscopy — a minor surgical procedure in which a slender viewing instrument (laparoscope) is used to view your pelvic organs.
Treatment:
Painful intercourse used to be viewed primarily as a psychological problem that required psychological treatment. Fortunately, that view is outdated. Researchers and doctors now understand the many causes of dyspareunia and recommend an integrated, multifaceted treatment approach. Your particular treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain, but treatment may include:
Hygiene habits
Avoid scented bath products, such as body washes and shower gels. These products can irritate your genital area and zap your natural lubrication, particularly if you overuse them. Skip douching as well.
Sexual techniques and counseling
You and your partner may be able to minimize pain with a few changes to your sexual routine:
Switch positions- If you experience sharp pain during thrusting, the penis may be striking your cervix or stressing the pelvic floor muscles, causing aching or cramping pain. Changing positions may help. You can try being on top of your partner during sex. Women usually have more control in this position, so you may be able to regulate penetration to a depth that feels good to you.
Communicate- Talk about what feels good and what doesn't. If you need your partner to go slow, say so.
Don't rush to the main event- Longer foreplay can help stimulate your natural lubrication. And you may reduce pain by delaying penetration until you feel fully aroused.
Use lubricants- A water-based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly or Astroglide, can make sex more comfortable. If contraceptive creams cause irritation or dryness, try a different preparation or ask your doctor about switching to another type of birth control.
Medications and therapies
In some cases, medications or therapy are necessary to treat painful intercourse.
Treating underlying conditions- If an infection or medical condition is contributing to your pain, treating the underlying cause may resolve your problem. Changing medications known to cause lubrication problems also may eliminate your symptoms.
Estrogen therapy- For most postmenopausal women, dyspareunia is caused by inadequate lubrication resulting from low estrogen levels. Often, this can be treated with a prescription cream, tablet or flexible vaginal ring.
Other medications- In some cases, your doctor may suggest an oral prescription pain medication or injections of pain medications into the site of the pain.
Desensitization therapy- During this therapy, you learn vaginal relaxation exercises that can decrease pain. Your therapist may recommend pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) or other techniques to decrease pain with intercourse.
Counseling or sex therapy- If sex has been painful for a long time, you may experience a negative emotional response to sexual stimulation even after treatment. If you and your partner have avoided intimacy because of painful intercourse, you may also need help improving communication with your partner and restoring sexual intimacy. Talking to a counselor or sex therapist can help resolve these issues.
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