This page provides everything you need to know about Dyspareunia.
What is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurrent pain that occurs before, during, or after sexual intercourse. Women may feel this pain in the genital area, ranging from the vulva to the labia (the lips of the vagina), or at the vaginal opening. Some women may feel pain deeper in the cervix, uterus, or lower abdomen.
Types of Dyspareunia:
Entry pain (superficial dyspareunia): Pain felt at the vaginal entrance during initial penetration. Contributing factors may include insufficient lubrication, injury, or infection.
Deep pain (deep dyspareunia): Pain occurring with deep penetration, sometimes worse in certain sexual positions. It is felt in the cervix or lower abdomen. Medical conditions or previous surgeries are often the cause.
Causes of Dyspareunia
Painful intercourse may result from insufficient vaginal lubrication or the following conditions:
- Vaginal atrophy: Loss of natural moisture and thickness of the vaginal lining, becoming dry, thin, and inflamed (may occur due to medications, menopause, or hormonal changes).
- Vaginismus: Involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles due to fear of injury or past trauma.
- Vaginal infections: Such as yeast infections.
- Cervical problems: Conditions affecting the cervix (e.g., infections) can cause deep penetration pain.
- Uterine problems: Including fibroids, causing deep pain.
- Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
- Ovarian problems: Such as ovarian cysts.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Severe inflammation of deep pelvic tissues causing pain during intercourse.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy developing outside the uterus.
- Intercourse shortly after surgery or childbirth.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Such as genital warts or herpes sores.
- Vulvar or vaginal injury: Tears from childbirth or episiotomy.
- Skin disorders affecting the genital area.
- Psychological factors: Anxiety, depression, or a history of sexual abuse may contribute to painful intercourse.
How to Manage Dyspareunia
Self-care strategies include:
- Using a water-based or silicone-based lubricant to relieve vaginal dryness.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers before intercourse.
- Relaxing and reducing stress before sexual activity.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as new or severe pain during intercourse, bleeding, genital lesions, irregular menstrual periods, vaginal discharge, or involuntary vaginal muscle spasms.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does dyspareunia cause bleeding?
Dyspareunia does not necessarily cause bleeding. Any bleeding during intercourse is more likely due to the underlying medical condition causing the painful sex. The same problem that causes pain may also cause bleeding.
