We could begin by defining the term Dyspareunia, by which pain during intercourse is known and which may have multiple origins. Around 20% of women suffer from this problem on which different myths have been made. It’s important that you see it as a real medical problem in order to find an adequate medical solution.
Symptoms of dyspareunia
The pain may originate during the penetration, but it could also manifest itself when you put a tampon on so it’s important that you are aware of different symptoms such as:
If there is pain, but only at the moment of penetration
Pain in any penetration even when putting on a tampon.
If the pain manifests only on certain occasions or if it’s caused by certain couples.
Pay attention if the pain occurs after intercourse or if there is burning or some pain that may become acute.
It’s recommended that you talk to your doctor about this, as most treatments should treat the cause of it, which can help you improve your sex life, your emotional stability and your image.
Causes of dyspareunia
The causes can be physical or correspond to the structure of the vagina or could be psychological.
Insufficient lubrication
This cause is mainly due to not dedicating enough time in the previous game, although it’s also related to the low or a fall in oestrogen levels. This can also be caused by some medications such as antihistamines, sedatives, hypertensives or antidepressants, but in turn certain contraceptives can also cause a loss of sexual desire and a drop in oestrogen.
A good way to increase lubrication is with erotic massages. Since they help to improve the woman’s natural lubrication by stimulating the area, the yoni massage can be a perfect solution since the termination is focused on stimulating the woman’s clitoris.
Inflammation, skin disease or infection
If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection or any other genital infection, it may cause you to feel pain during intercourse. Eczema or other problems can also be cause of such problem.
Vaginal spasms or vaginismus
Vaginismus during intercourse may also cause intercourse to be painful.
Deep penetration and the implementation of certain positions can also lead to pain at the time of penetration.
Emotional factors
Anxiety, depression and other problems can also be the cause of this problem. Even stress could be causing it as stress causes the contraction of the pelvic muscles doing or causing penetration to become painful.
It’s often difficult to determine if psychological factors are associated with pain, since many times the thought of pain or the fear that it becomes recurrent may end up causing more pain.
Diagnosis of dyspareunia
Usually the medical evaluation has a pelvic exam that is part of the patient’s history, as well as some other tests that are necessary.
A complete medical history
It’s important not to let embarrassment prevent you from giving honest answers to the doctor’s questions regarding previous surgeries, pain after delivery. For this reason you should be honest about where it hurts and how much it hurts, as well as answering questions about whether it happens with all sexual partners, even if they are uncomfortable questions is necessary to diagnose correctly.
A pelvic exam
During this examination the doctor may notice some skin irritation, infection or anatomical anomaly. In the same way, the doctor can apply pressure to determine exactly where the pain is.
Treatment
The treatments can be as varied as their causes being the most common the following:
Medicines
If the cause of the pain is an infection, treating it will alleviate the pain. This treatment may include changing medications that cause little lubrication. This can be treated with a cream or some pills.
Desensitisation therapy
It’s a therapy through which you can learn exercises that help you relax which can contribute to the pain at the time of penetration. Said therapist will recommend certain exercises that you can perform to reduce pain.