What is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia (say: "dis-par-oon-ya") is painful sexual intercourse for women. It can have many causes. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have this problem because there are effective treatments for many of the causes.

 

 

Any part of the genitals can cause pain during sex. Some conditions affect the skin around the vagina. Some women have a viral infection or vaginal yeast infections, but sometimes the cause is unknown. The pain from these conditions is usually felt when a tampon or penis is inserted into the vagina. Sometimes, even sitting or wearing pants can cause discomfort.

Vaginismus (say: "vag-in-is-mus") is a spasm of the muscles around the vagina. In some women, the pain of the spasms is so severe that penile penetration is impossible. Vaginal dryness can also cause painful sex. This dryness may be caused by menopause and changes in estrogen levels, or from difficulty becoming aroused.

Sometimes the pain occurs when the penis is in the vagina. Women report the feeling that "something is being bumped into." The uterus may hurt if there are fibroid growths, the uterus is tilted or if the uterus prolapses (falls) into the vagina. Certain conditions or infections of the ovaries may also cause pain, especially in certain sexual positions. Past surgeries may leave scar tissue that can cause pain. Because the bladder and intestines are close to the vagina, they may also cause pain during sex.

We know that the mind and the body work together. This is seen with sexual problems. Often the problem that first caused the pain may go away, but you may have learned to expect the pain. This can lead to further problems because you may be tense or you may be unable to become aroused. The problem can then become a cycle and you are caught in the middle.

Negative attitudes about sex, misinformation about sex and misinformation about the functions of the woman's body are often associated with some types of pain. Is painful sex all in your head? No! But it is important to discuss feelings and difficulties with your partner and your doctor.