Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) – Symptoms and Causes
What is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia meaning: It is a medical term describing pain occurring before, during, or after sexual activity. Both men and women experience it. However, vaginal pain during intercourse is more common in females. The discomfort can vary in intensity, ranging from mild irritation to sharp or severe pain. The soreness can stem from issues in the genital area or other internal pelvic structures. Understanding what is dyspareunia and what its signs look like can help you get timely help.
Are There Different Types of Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia can be divided into different types. These types depend on where the pain occurs and when it starts during sexual activity. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the main types include:
- Superficial dyspareunia: In this condition, the pain is limited to the vulva (external female genital area) or vaginal entrance. It often occurs at the start of sexual activity.
- Deep dyspareunia: In this case, the pain extends into the deeper parts of the vagina or lower pelvis. It is frequently associated with deep penetration and may be caused by internal gynecologic issues.
- Primary dyspareunia: In this type, discomfort starts at the very first sexual intercourse.
- Secondary dyspareunia: In this type, discomfort develops after a period of pain-free physical intimacy. It often happens due to new physical or medical conditions that develop over time.
What are the Symptoms of Dyspareunia?
Your dyspareunia symptoms simply depend on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms of dyspareunia are:
- Sharp or burning pain during sex is a common sign.
- Patients often experience a persistent aching sensation after intercourse.
- Some women experience pain occurring at the vaginal opening or deep inside the pelvis.
- The pain may be present with every attempt at physical intimacy. Additionally, it is possible you feel pain only in specific positions.
- Swelling, redness, or irritation in the genital area can be a symptom.
- Dyspareunia may also be accompanied by pelvic pain that is not related to sexual activity.
- Some individuals experience vaginal dryness or tightness during penetration.
What are the Causes of Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia causes range from physical to psychological factors. Some common examples are as follows:
- Vaginal dryness – There are several reasons that could lead to vaginal dryness. For example, reduced estrogen levels (female sex hormone), menopause (the natural end of menstrual cycles), or breastfeeding. Certain medications can also cause dryness in the genital area as a side effect. This then leads to vaginal pain during intercourse.
- Infections – These are issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections.
- Skin disorders – It means conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or lichen sclerosus. They can affect your genital area, causing sensitivity.
- Injury or trauma – This may result from childbirth, surgery, or sexual injury.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction – In this condition, the pelvic floor muscles do not work properly. Generally, muscles relax and contract normally. But here, these muscles may become too tight, too weak, or fail to coordinate. This can cause pain during intercourse.
- Ovarian cysts – These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. They can create pressure and discomfort in the pelvic region.
- Endometriosis – This is a condition where the tissue that grows inside the uterus (womb) starts growing outside it. It is also among the known causes of dyspareunia.
- Other gynecologic problems – These include fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Birth control side effects – Some hormonal methods can lower estrogen levels, which may cause vaginal dryness or reduced arousal.
- Emotional and psychological factors – Sometimes stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or past trauma can affect your sexual response.
What are the Complications of This Condition?
The complications of dyspareunia include:
- You may start avoiding sexual activity due to persistent discomfort.
- Intimate relationships can become strained or tense over time.
- There are chances that the sexual satisfaction and closeness with your partner decrease.
- The ongoing discomfort can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
- The pain from dyspareunia might make it harder to notice other medical conditions. This happens because the symptoms overlap. Therefore, there can be a delay in their diagnosis and treatment.
How to Prevent Dyspareunia?
You can try these measures in order to prevent dyspareunia:
- Use a water-soluble lubricant during intercourse.
- Practise open communication with your partner.
- Make sure to address gynecologic issues early.
- Keep track of your sexual health through regular check-ups.
When to See a Doctor?
You must seek medical help if you experience painful intercourse regularly. Especially if the symptoms are persistent or if they worsen, see a healthcare professional. You never know what the underlying reason may be. It can be as serious as autoimmune disorders, chronic pain syndromes, or cancer treatments. In some cases, the cause may be as simple as a sensitivity to personal care products. Your doctor can help find the exact cause and suggest the right treatment.
What Diagnosis and Tests Are Needed for Dyspareunia?
When you report symptoms of dyspareunia, these are the common steps your gynecologist may follow:
- A healthcare professional will take a detailed medical and sexual history.
- They may ask about when the pain occurs, how it feels, and any related symptoms.
- A physical examination (including a pelvic exam) may be done to check for visible issues.
- Vaginal swabs can help detect infections. There are tests where a doctor gently uses a small, sterile cotton-tipped stick. This is done to collect a sample of fluid or cells from inside the vagina.
- Ultrasound imaging may be used to look for structural problems.
- If you are having trouble conceiving, your gynecologist might recommend a fertility assessment to check your reproductive health.
- Blood tests can check hormone levels.
FAQs
Dyspareunia is quite common in women. It affects about 10 to 28 women out of every 100 at some point in their lives. The chances of developing this condition increase with certain health or hormonal changes.
It can happen at any age. However, it is more common in women after menopause. This is due to lower estrogen levels.
It may feel like burning, aching, or sharp pain during intercourse. The pain can be at the vaginal opening or deeper in the pelvis.
Yes. Mental stress can lead to tension in the body. It can cause reduced arousal. Both can make intercourse painful.
Yes. It can happen at any age, including in your 20s. Dyspareunia can develop if there are physical or emotional triggers.
No. Dyspareunia itself does not cause infertility. However, underlying conditions linked to it may affect your fertility.