Dyspareunia

The term dyspareunia refers to any recurring genital pain that accompanies sex. While the pain might be minor at first, eventually a cycle develops in which a woman will anticipate the pain and cause additional physical tension in her body. This tension will maintain or even intensify the genital pain. Naturally, a woman who experiences genital pain will seek to avoid sex, which makes things difficult for her and for her mate.

Causes Of Dyspareunia

What causes this condition of dyspareunia? There are several reasons why genital pain develops, including various functional problems, medical conditions and even psychological disorders. Functional causes of dyspareunia are not related to the dysfunction of organs, rather to general pain and discomfort--conditions that can be easily treated. For example, if a woman is not aroused during sex, she may lack adequate vaginal lubrication. Lack of lubrication can cause friction or a burning pain that can be linked with dyspareunia. Treatment may involve advising the couple to increase foreplay before intercourse so that the woman can become properly lubricated naturally. However, in some cases commercial lubricant may be needed (like Astroglide or KY). This lubricant is designed exclusively for sexual intercourse and is available in most drug stores. (For best results use a quality product, not a cheap substitute).

Certain medical conditions can cause dyspareunia, including vaginismus, which is an uncomfortable tension in the vaginal muscles, vulvar vestibulitis, and pelvic muscle tension. A gynecologist or physical therapist is usually the one to prescribe treatment for serious medical conditions. Even if this is the case, sexual therapy is often recommended for the patient so she can learn more about treatment and ways of coping with the condition.

There might also be psychological problems involved in genital pain. Physical and emotional trauma can cause dyspareunia. Relationship problems as well as depression can contribute to the condition since stress in general will always affect sexual intercourse in a negative way.

Diagnosing And Treating Dyspareunia

The first step in diagnosis and treatment is to examine a woman's medical history and for a gynecologist to examine the pelvis. It is important to first identify the source of the discomfort or pain. Treatment may include prescribing surgical lubricant or commercial lubricant. It may also involve applying therapeutic advice, such as the woman controlling insertion rather than the man, changing to more comfortable positions, or focusing on other erotic experiences such as mutual caressing or oral sex.

An important point to remember is that sexual pain can be caused by several different sources, so a multidisciplinary team is often recommended for therapy and treatment. The answer to treating dyspareunia is in seeking professional help, in sexual therapy and by medical examination. Sex is supposed to be an enjoyable, relaxing activity. When any sort of stress or pain is involved, then something is wrong with your body and you should seek treatment. The good news is that in most cases dyspareunia is reversible.

If you or your partner are experiencing painful intercourse then the best thing to do is to consult a sex therapist. A sex therapist can direct you to a gynecologist and later administer therapy that can help you recover. Don't avoid the pleasure, avoid the pain! Let sex therapy help you reclaim your life.

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tova@sextherapylosangeles.com