Dyspareunia

What Is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is a broad term referring to any recurrent genital pain with sexual intercourse. 10 to 15% of North American women suffer from pain during intercourse. When a woman experiences pain, a cycle can develop in which anticipation of pain causes physical tension that maintains or increases the pain. When pain with sexual intercourse is expected, a woman may avoid sex altogether in order to avoid the pain.

Symptoms Of Dyspareunia

Pain with sexual intercourse which may, or may not, continue after the cessation of the activity

Causes Of Dyspareunia

Possible causes of dyspareunia include functional, medical, or psychological conditions.

Functional causes are when there is nothing structurally wrong with the organs. Functional causes are often easily understood and treated:

• Lack of lubrication causing friction or burning.

• Tension in the vaginal muscles (vaginismus) causing pain or difficulties with penetration.

Medical causes include:

• Diseases, such as vulvar vestibulitis and sexually transmitted diseases.

• Physical conditions, such as injuries due to childbirth and trauma.

• Gynecological pain from organs, endometriosis, infection, or pelvic adhesions.

Psychological causes include physical or emotional trauma, relationship problems and depression. Psychological issues can cause or contribute to dyspareunia. Sexual symptoms may be only one facet of a multifactorial problem.

Diagnosis Of Dyspareunia

Sexual pain can stem from several sources at the same time. Diagnosis is often difficult and may require multidisciplinary effort for both evaluation and treatment. Please book an appointment with one of our physicians and/or pelvic floor physiotherapists.