Pain with sexual intercourse for a woman is not uncommon. Women can experience painful intercourse at any age, although it is more common after menopause. The cause of dyspareunia can vary widely, so finding the right treatment hinges on identifying the underlying causes.
Whether you are 35 or 65, intercourse should be a pleasurable experience, yet 30 percent of women report fleeting or chronic pain upon vaginal penetration. Pain during sex for women can not only be physically distressing but also impact body image, confidence, and relationships with partners. There is no need to suffer in silence when professional medical help is available.
What is female dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after sexual intercourse or activities that involve vaginal penetration. The pain can vary from mild to intense and be felt in the vulva, vagina, bladder, or deep inside the pelvis.
What are dyspareunia symptoms?
Symptoms of female dyspareunia pain are unique to each individual. Some women find any type of sexual encounter extremely uncomfortable, while others experience intermittent pain in certain positions. For some, painful sex begins at perimenopause or menopause, when hormone levels decline, resulting in inadequate vaginal lubrication and vaginal dryness.
Common dyspareunia symptoms include:
- Superficial pain at initial penetration
- Aching or stabbing pain during thrusting
- Soreness and throbbing that continues after intercourse
- Irritation and burning sensation during sex
- Deep pain similar to menstrual cramps
- Pelvic pain that increases with time during intercourse
What are the causes of painful vaginal sex?
Physiological changes and gynecological conditions can cause painful vaginal sex. Emotional issues, relationship issues, and a history of past trauma can also play a part.
Causes of dyspareunia include:
- Vaginitis — inflammation of the vagina
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction or Vaginismus (involuntary vaginal muscle spasms)
- Vaginal dryness/atrophy causing tissues to shrink
- Scar tissue from childbirth or injury
- Low arousal and loss of lubrication
- Ovarian cysts
- Vulvodynia – chronic pain in the vulvar area
- Endometriosis
- Infections in the vulva or bladder
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Scarring from certain cancer treatments
- Pelvic adhesions
- Anatomical abnormalities
How is dyspareunia in women diagnosed?
When pain during sexual intercourse undermines the quality of life, it’s time to consult with a Dyspareunia Specialist. A definitive diagnosis is based on a complete description of your symptoms, a medical history, sexual history, and gynecologic exam. If necessary, a pelvic ultrasound may be recommended.
Are there dyspareunia treatments?
Yes, numerous therapies can resolve or at least lessen dyspareunia symptoms. Specific treatment will depend on the root cause. Oftentimes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is necessary.
Treatments for painful intercourse may include:
- Hormone Therapy (such as Estradiol vaginal cream)
- Medications to treat underlying infections or gynecologic conditions
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Vaginal Lubricants or moisturizers
- Vaginal Laser therapy
- Surgery
- Counseling or sex therapy
