Contents
Introduction
Dyspareunia also called painful sex means pain before, in between or after having sex. It can affect both men and women but specifically women .According to a report a variety of factors contribute to it like physical or psychological. It can also lead to distress and problems in a healthy relationship. Dyspareunia might occur at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis. There might be an aching, burning, throbbing or ripping sensation. In 2020, Dyspareunia has been estimated to globally affect 35% of women at some point in their lives.
Causes of dyspareunia
Causes vary but the location of the pain may help to identify a specific physical cause.
Entry pain
It may be associated with vaginal dryness, genital injury or due to any other reasons.
- Vaginal dryness- during intercourse glands at the entrance secrete fluid to lubricate the area and help in intercourse. But if too little fluid is secreted then it might be painful.
The Reason might be After menopause, estrogen level is decreased or due to taking some kind of pills or medications.
- Vaginismus-the muscles in the pelvic floor contract without our control on it leading to pain while sexual intercourse
- Genital injury- any trauma to genital organ can lead to painful sex
- Inflammation or injury- Inflammation around vaginal opening may also lead to painful intercourse. It might also happen due to urinary tract infection, STI disease.
Deep pain
if the pain occurs during penetration it might be result of medical condition that may include
- Cystitis- infection in bladder
- Endometriosis-a disease where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus instead of inside
- Fibroids- non cancerous growth in uterus
- Interstitial cysts-chronic condition causing bladder pain
- PCOS (polycistronic ovarian syndrome)- cysts around the ovary
3 Psychological cause- emotional and psychological factors can play an important role. It might be anxiety or depression causing Vaginismus Or stress triggering pelvic muscle tightening.
Symptoms for dyspareunia
Pain in
- Vagina
- During sex
- During penetration
- After having sex
- Only with specific partner
- With tampon use
Along with burning, itching or aching .
Treatment for Dyspareunia
The treatment of dyspareunia depends. The doctor might prescribe you alternative medicines which might help to lubricate the vagina .
Low estrogen level causes low secretion of estrogen .Some medicines can deliver some amount of estrogen to the vaginal site.
There are also some home remedies:-
- Have intercourse when you are relaxed
- Use water soluble lubricants
- Take a warm bath before sex
- You can use vaginal relaxation techniques
Conclusion
Dyspareunia is also called painful sex which is more common in women and might happen due to various physical,or psychological conditions.But if proper treatment is taken then it can be treated so if you feel pain before or after intercourse consult your doctor.
References
- Leonard- what causes Dyspareunia (december 20, 2017)https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/192590
- Anna Giorgi – what you need to know about dyspareunia (feb 4, 2020)https://www.healthline.com/health/dyspareunia#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1