Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Dyspareunia

Introduction

Are you experiencing a discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse? You're not alone. Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, can significantly impact your quality of life and intimate relationships. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is essential to relieving symptoms and improving your sexual health. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the various factors that contribute to dyspareunia and explore effective strategies to deal with this common problem. Keep reading to know more!

What Is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe persistent or recurrent pain experienced during sexual intercourse. If you're affected by dyspareunia, you may feel a range of sensations, from mild discomfort to intense pain, in the genital area or pelvic region. This condition can occur in both men and women and can have various causes.

Who is most likely to have dyspareunia?

Painful intercourse is more prevalent among women, although it can also impact men. This discomfort is often caused by physical problems or medical reasons. Psychological factors can also play a role.

How common is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is more common than you might think. It's estimated that up to 20% of people experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.

What are the different types of dyspareunia?

There are two main types of dyspareunia: superficial dyspareunia and deep dyspareunia.

• Superficial dyspareunia refers to pain that occurs at the entrance of the vagina or in the genital area during penetration.
• On the other hand, deep dyspareunia involves pain that occurs deeper within the pelvis during intercourse.

What causes dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia causes can be categorized into both physical and psychological.

Here's a breakdown of potential dyspareunia causes:

• Vaginal Dryness: Insufficient lubrication can lead to friction and discomfort during an intercourse. This is one of the main causes of painful sex in women.
• Infections: Conditions like yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause inflammation and pain.
• Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis that affecting the genital area can result in female painful intercourse.
• Structural Issues: Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, or ovarian cysts can cause a deep pelvic pain during an intercourse.
• Hormonal Changes: Menopause, childbirth, or breastfeeding can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect vaginal lubrication and tissue elasticity.
• Stress and Anxiety: Mental health problems or emotional stress can cause muscle tension and discomfort during intercourse.
• Past Trauma: Past sexual abuse or traumatic experiences can cause emotional distress or pain during sex.
• Relationship Issues: Conflict, communication problems, or lack of intimacy in relationships can affect sexual satisfaction and cause dyspareunia.

What are the symptoms of dyspareunia?

Recognizing dyspareunia symptoms is essential for seeking appropriate care.

Here's a breakdown of common dyspareunia symptoms:

• You may feel a sharp, burning, or aching pain in your genital area or deep in your pelvis during penetration or thrusting.
• Sensitivity or soreness in the genital area before, during, or after an intercourse.
• In some cases it is possible to notice bleeding or light bleeding after sexual activity due to the irritation or tissue injuries.
• Tightening or involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles during intercourse can cause discomfort or pain.
• Anxiety, fear, or avoidance of sexual activity due to an anticipated pain may also be the symptoms of dyspareunia.

How is dyspareunia diagnosed?

Dyspareunia is diagnosed through a medical history review, physical examination, and blood tests to identify underlying causes.

What Tests Are Done To Diagnose Dyspareunia?

To diagnose dyspareunia, your doctor may conduct several tests to identify underlying causes:

• Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of the pelvic area can help detect any abnormalities or signs of infection.
• Vaginal pH Test: This test measures the vaginal acidity levels. Which can indicate infectious diseases such as bacterial vaginal disease or yeast infection.
• STI Testing: Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be necessary if symptoms suggests infection as a cause of dyspareunia.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: Imaging tests such as ultrasound can help visualize the reproductive organs and detect any structural abnormalities or conditions, such as fibroids or ovarian cysts.
• Hormone Tests: Blood tests for measuring hormone levels can be performed to assess the hormonal imbalances that contribute to a painful intercourse, especially in people going through a menopause or post childbirth (postpartum).

How Is Dyspareunia Treated?

Here are various dyspareunia treatment options that you and your healthcare provider may consider:

• Pain-relieving medications, hormone therapy, or antidepressants may be prescribed to manage pain or address hormonal imbalances contributing to dyspareunia.
• Psychological counselling or sex therapy can help you address emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or past trauma that may be contributing to painful intercourse.
• Physiotherapy sessions to improve the strength of pelvic muscles
• In case of serious structural problems, such as endometriosis or pelvic organs prolapse, surgical procedures may be needed to correct the underlying problems and relieve pain.

How Can You Treat Dyspareunia Naturally?

Here are some natural dyspareunia treatment strategies:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Use water-based lubricants to reduce friction and discomfort during sex, especially if vaginal dryness is a concern.
• Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce muscle tension and anxiety, promoting a more comfortable sexual experience.

What Are The Medications To Take For Dyspareunia?

Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help in reducing the discomfort associated with dyspareunia. Oestrogen creams may also be prescribed to address hormonal imbalances which contribute to vaginal dryness or thinning tissues. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications for dyspareunia therapy.

How Do I Manage Symptoms Of Dyspareunia?

To manage symptoms of dyspareunia, consider these approaches:

• Openly discuss your concerns with your partner and healthcare provider.
• Apply lubricants that reduce friction during intercourse.
• Experiment with positions that minimize discomfort.
• Consider counselling or a therapy to address any emotional factors contributing to your symptoms.
• Make sure to take some time to relax and reduce stress before engaging in a sexual activity.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Dyspareunia?

Recovery from dyspareunia depends on the underlying cause and effectiveness of the treatment. You may experience improvement with self-care measures in a few weeks, while others may require longer-term management up to 12 months.

When To See A Doctor?

See a doctor if you experience any of these:

• Pain during sex that recurs or gets worse
• Tightness or involuntary clenching of your vaginal muscles
• Bleeding
• Sores or bumps on your genitals
• Irregular periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Conclusion

In conclusion, dyspareunia can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but there are effective treatment options available. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies discussed, you can take proactive steps to improve your sexual health. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of dyspareunia, head over to Metropolis Healthcare and book a blood test to check for any hormonal imbalances that might be causing it. Metropolis Healthcare is at the forefront of diagnostic services across the country, providing state-of-the-art lab facilities, a team of expert phlebotomists and at-home testing services. Book your test today!