The condition called pain during sexual intercourse that occurs right before, during or after sex is called dyspareunia. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Cengiz explained the curious things about painful sexual intercourse.
What is painful sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)?
Dyspareunia is pain that occurs just before, during or after sex. It can be seen in men and women, but it is more common in women.
In women, the pain may affect the vulva, which is the area around the vaginal opening, or the pain may be inside the vagina or in the lower abdomen. In men, pain may occur in the penis, testicles, abdomen and sometimes rectum.
What causes painful sexual intercourse?
There are many possible reasons.
Common causes in women include:
- Birth – Sex can be painful for several weeks or months after birth.
- Endometriosis – In this condition, tissue that normally grows inside your uterus also grows outside the uterus. This can cause abdominal pain during sex.
- Vaginal dryness – Vaginal dryness can be caused by:
Vaginal dryness is the drying, thinning and inflammation of the vagina and vulva. (The vulva is the area around the vagina.) This can be uncomfortable or cause sex to be painful.
It happens when your body can’t produce enough of a hormone called estrogen. This is usually related to menopause (when you stop having monthly periods). This may also occur if you have had your ovaries removed, are taking certain medications, or are breast-feeding.
- Not being aroused or “excited” before sex
- Conditions that cause long-term pain in the vulva, bladder, or pelvis: These may include:
- A condition called “vulvodynia” – This is pain in the vulva.
- “Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome” A condition called – This condition causes bladder pain and other symptoms.
- A condition called “chronic pelvic pain” – This is pain in the area below the belly button that lasts for 6 months or longer.
- Infection in the vagina or bladder
- Skin problems around the vagina
- Bad feelings about the partner or relationship: Feeling bad about your partner or yourself can make sexual intercourse painful.
- A painful experience in the past: This could be a past sexual experience or a painful medical exam. Even using tampons can be painful.
- Birth control pills – Some people who take birth control pills begin to experience pain during sex.
I am experiencing pain during sexual intercourse. Should I see a doctor?
Yes. If sexual intercourse is painful, consult your doctor. Some people are embarrassed to bring this up, but it’s something your doctor or nurse can help you with.
Will I need tests?
Your doctor will decide which tests you should have based on your age, other symptoms, and your individual situation. They will perform an examination and ask about your symptoms.
Some common tests doctors use to find the cause of dyspareunia include:
- Urine tests – These can look for a bladder infection.
- Tests performed on a sample of vaginal fluid: These can look for an infection in the vagina or cervix.
How is dyspareunia treated?
Treatments for women include:
- Antibiotics or antifungal medications: These may help if the pain is caused by an infection in the vagina or bladder.
- Creams or gels to keep the vagina moist – These include:
- Vaginal lubricants used during sex
- Vaginal moisturizers used several times a week
- A prescription cream to treat vaginal dryness or skin discomfort
- Gels or ointments that numb the vagina before and after sex.
- Physical therapy to relax the muscles around the vagina.
- Counseling: This can be helpful if the pain is caused by bad feelings about sex, the relationship, or yourself.
- Surgery – In a few cases, pain is caused by a growth inside the body. Doctors may perform surgery to remove the growth.