Pain During Sexual Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Pain during intercourse is called dyspareunia and is characterized by symptoms such as burning, stinging, tingling, sharp pain or discomfort in the vagina, vulva, clitoris or lower abdomen. Usually the pain is felt during penetration of the penis into the vagina or during intercourse.

Dyspareunia is a common problem that can significantly affect women's sex lives.

Factors Causing Dyspareunia:

Dyspareunia can be caused by psychological, physical or a combination of both.

- Psychological causes:

- Relationship problems

- Stress

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Having experienced sexual trauma in the past

- Low self-esteem

- Physical causes:

- Stenosis of the hymen or vaginal opening

- Vaginal dryness (especially common during lactation and menopause)

- Infections (vaginitis, vulvitis, pelvic inflammatory disease)

- Endometriosis

- Vaginismus

- Pelvic pain syndromes

- Fibroids located in the uterus

- Ovarian Cysts

- Stitches made during childbirth do not heal well

- Vulvodini

If you experience pain during sexual intercourse and this complaint recurs with each intercourse, a detailed gynecological examination is essential. Your doctor will review and evaluate your medical history and findings. He or she may also order tests to rule out infections or other medical conditions.

Dyspareunia Treatment:

The treatment of dyspareunia will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Treatment options are as follows:

Vaginal lubricant or moisturizing cream or ovules for vaginal dryness

- If infection is detected; Antibiotics or antifungal (fungal) drugs

- Hormone Therapy (containing estrogen) for Endometriosis or Menopause

- Painkillers

- Physical therapy to relax spasm of the pelvic floor muscles

- For psychological causes such as stress, anxiety or depression; Psychotherapy