Define Dyspareunia
The pain you feel during or after sexual intercourse is called dyspareunia. It is not a condition in itself but is caused by medical conditions or psychosocial problems. Dyspareunia is almost exclusive to women, but it also affects men in rare cases. It is not uncommon for women to feel pain during intercourse; although true dyspareunia in women frequently occurs along with vaginismus----a condition that causes the vaginal muscles to tense up during penetration.
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Symptoms
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Dyspareunia can affect the genitals or cause cramping or burning sensations in the pelvic area. According to Mayo Clinic, almost 60% of all women feel some sort of pain prior to, during or after sexual intercourse at some point in their life. The intensity and nature of the pain varies from person to person. The affected person may feel distressed and embarrassed, and may even lose interest in sexual activity.
Penetration Pain
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The location and nature of intercourse-related pain depends on the cause of dyspareunia. The following conditions and factors cause pain during penetration: inadequate lubrication during intercourse, injury to the genitals, congenital abnormality, skin infections (such as eczema), allergic reaction to contraceptives, vaginismus and vestibulitis.
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Deep Pain
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Sometimes a deep pain accompanies the pain during penetration. A number of conditions and illnesses may cause deep pain----such as cystitis, endometriosis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, uterine prolapse, and infection of the uterus or cervix. Certain medical treatments (such as chemotherapy) and surgical procedures (such as hysterectomy) may also cause deep pain during sex.
Psychosocial Reasons
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In women, the most common cause of dyspareunia is a psychosocial problem. Women who have been physically abused in the past may relate sex to previous traumatic experiences. Anxiety about the act of having sex due to fears (like the fear of getting pregnant) or guilt may also tense up the muscles. Emotional problems with the partner or conditions like depression may cause a disinterest in sex.
Treatments
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Dyspareunia is caused both by medical conditions and psychological problems; therefore, it requires a combination of treatment methods that tackle both causes. You can minimize the chances of pain by making the following changes to your sexual activity: change your position if you feel pain, communicate with your partner, involve more foreplay, stay properly lubricated. For dyspareunia caused by medical problems, the treatments include: estrogen therapy, desensitizing therapy, sex therapy, and pain medication. Try to be creative about the manner in which you have sex, so that you stay interested, and do what is comfortable for you.
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