Pain with Intercourse FAQ's

 Dyspareunia is characterized as persistent or recurrent vaginal pain related to sexual intercourse. Women diagnosed with this condition may experience discomfort at various stages of the intimate act. Key symptoms include:

• Pain upon penetration
• Intense discomfort during deeper motions
• Sensation of pain emerging post-intercourse
• Lingering, throbbing discomfort after the act has ended.

Dyspareunia can arise from a myriad of causes, encompassing physical challenges, specific gynecological disorders, and emotional factors.

Certain emotional states can impede relaxation during intimacy, consequently leading to painful intercourse. This is often due to a disruption in the natural arousal and lubrication process. Additionally, specific medications, such as some birth control variants, might tamper with your sexual receptiveness, leading to discomfort during sex.

Gynecological conditions linked with painful intercourse include:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: A decline in estrogen levels post-childbirth or during menopause can trigger vaginal dryness, making intercourse less comfortable or outright painful.
• Vaginismus: Characterized by an uncontrolled contraction of vaginal muscles during intimacy, this condition can make penetration exceedingly painful.
• Vulvodynia: A prevalent condition, it impacts the vulva and can be instigated by chronic inflammation, nerve injury, or pelvic floor muscle issues.
• Contact Dermatitis: A skin condition that can particularly affect the vulva, leading to sensations of itching, burning, or pain due to irritants like certain lubricants or scented soaps.
• Perineum Injuries: Post childbirth, if there's tearing in the perineum or an episiotomy was performed, intercourse might be painful for several months following a vaginal delivery.

Addressing dyspareunia demands a precise diagnosis of the root cause. Our approach involves a detailed discussion about your symptoms, gathering a comprehensive medical history, and a meticulous physical examination.

The therapeutic strategy may involve tweaking current prescription medications that impact natural lubrication or introducing lubricants prior to intimacy. In instances of vaginal trauma, interventions might lean towards physical therapy or surgery.

For many, the crux of painful intercourse lies in dwindling estrogen levels resulting in vaginal dryness. This can be addressed through different modalities we can assist you with.