What Is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia refers to painful sexual intercourse which may occur due to medical or psychological reasons.
Although it can affect both genders, it is significantly more common in women than men. The pain may be concentrated to the surface of the genitalia, or it could spread to the pelvis.
Understanding the location, nature and the duration of pain is important for understanding the cause and thereby treatment of dyspareunia.
Commonly multiple underlying causes contribute to the pain. Contributing factors may include physical, psychological, and social factors. The pain can either be acquired or congenital in nature.
Treatment is available and helps many women in experiencing relief. It largely focuses on identifying the underlying cause of dyspareunia and treating it.
Causes Of Dyspareunia:
Some of the causes vary according to the gender of the affected individual, while some causes are universal.
In women, the most common causes are:
- Infections, which affect the labia, vagina, or lower urinary tract
yeast infections
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
Urinary tract infections
herpes - Tissue Injury.
- Hormonal Causes:
- endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Estrogen deficiency
- ovarian cysts
- tumors
- uterine fibroids
- Vulvodynia:
- Muscular dysfunction
- Psychological factors
Causes For Men May Include:
- Infections of the prostate, bladder or seminal vesicles
- Interstitial cystitis
- Gonorrheal infections leads to burning sharp penile pains
- Urethritis or prostatis can make genital stimulation painful
- Anatomic deformities of the penis
- Tension in frenulum
Emotional Factors May Also Lead To The Development Of Dyspareunia. They Include:
- Psychological problems.
Anxiety
Depression
Concerns about physical appearance
Fear of intimacy
Relationship problems - Stress.
- History of sexual abuse.
Symptoms Of Dyspareunia:
Symptoms of dyspareunia include:
- Pain only at sexual penetration
- Pain with every penetration
- Experiencing pain after previously pain-free intercourse
- Deep pain during thrusting
- Burning pain or aching pain
- Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse
Diagnosis Of Dyspareunia:
Dyspareunia can be diagnosed via:
- A medical history.
- A pelvic exam.
- A visual exam of the vagina, in case of a women
- Pelvic ultrasound, if there is a suspicion of other associated complications
Treatment Of Dyspareunia:
The following treatment options help relieve symptoms:
- Medication
ospemifene - Therapy
Sex therapy
Desensitization therapy
By : Natural Health News
