Painful sexual intercourses (Dyspareunia).
Dyspareunia involves pain, during a sexual intercourse and although it affects both genders, it is far more common in women. Thus, it is considered a females' sexual problem.
Pain, during a sexual intercourse, may be present in vagina, clitoris or labia and can have numerous physical and psychological causes, including tumors, urinary track infections, inflammations, diabetic neuropathy, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, lichen sclerosis, allergic reactions to personal hygiene products and traumatic experiences from sexual abuse or a rape incidence that may have happened in the past.
In some women, cervix, the anatomical lower part of uterus, protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall more than the usual, reducing the length of vagina. In such cases, the pain is caused due to collision of the penis on the cervix during the intercourse.
Bacterial, parasitic, yeast and viral infections, such as trichomoniasis, candidiasis or herpes simplex, may lead to painful sexual intercourses.
Thinning of vaginal walls, called atrophic vaginitis, and decreased vaginal lubrication, which can happen in postmenstrual females due to low levels of estrogens, are common causes of painful sexual intercourses. In other cases, dyspareunia itself may be a risk factor and result in decreased vaginal lubrication, orgasm disorders or decreased sexual response. It has to be mentioned that vaginal dryness may develop during pregnancy or breastfeeding period, as well.
The presence of scars on the vaginal lining epithelium and mucosa due to abdominal surgery or accidental injury is a causative factor resulting in dyspareunia.
Certain medications, especially antihistamines, antidepressants, pills for high blood pressure problems and breast cancer drugs, such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can increase the risk for painful sexual intercourses to occur.
Vaginismus and vulvodynia, although are relatively rare whenever they occur, result in dyspareunia. Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the vaginal wall that interferes with intercourse, whereas vulvodynia involves burning pain during a sexual intercourse and it is related to skin problems in the genital area.
Treatment for painful sexual intercourses.
Treatment of dyspareunia must aim the original causes. Apart from that, vaginal lubricants are most helpful. Prolonged sexual stimulation before the intercourse can promote arousal, natural lubrication and necessary dilation that prepare the vagina for a painless and pleasant penile penetration. Technical means, like vibrators and other stimulators are very effective, as well.
In postmenstrual women, medical hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial.
Certain sexual positions can prevent deep penetration and reduce the risk for a painful intercourse. For instance, maximum
penetration
occurs, when the woman lies on her back with her legs on her partner's shoulders, whereas less deep penetration is achieved when both partners lie on their sides.
Avoidance of very tight underwear may minimize or eliminate symptoms of dyspareunia too. |
