Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the term for recurring pain in the genital area or within the pelvis during sexual intercourse. The pain can be sharp or intense. It can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.

Dyspareunia is more common in women than men. It has many possible causes, but it can be treated.

What causes dyspareunia?

Several conditions can cause dyspareunia. For some women, it’s a sign of a physical problem. Other women may experience pain as a result of emotional factors.

Common physical causes of dyspareunia include:

• vaginal dryness from menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding, medications, or too little arousal before intercourse

• skin disorders that cause ulcers, cracks, itching, or burning infections, such as yeast or urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• injury or trauma from childbirth, an accident, an episiotomy, a hysterectomy, or pelvic surgery

• vulvodynia, or pain centered in the vulva area

• vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina

• vaginismus, or a spontaneous tightening of the muscles of the vaginal wall

• endometriosis

• cystitis

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• uterine fibroids

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• radiation and chemotherapy

Factors that reduce sexual desire or affect a person’s ability to become aroused can also cause dyspareunia.These factors include:

• stress, which can result in tightened muscles of the pelvic floor
• fear, guilt, or shame related to sex
• self-image or body issues
• medications such as birth control pills
• relationship problems
• conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease
• history of sexual abuse or rape

What are the symptoms of dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia pain can vary. Pain may occur:

• in the vagina, urethra, or bladder
• during penetration
• during or after intercourse
• deep in the pelvis during intercourse
• after pain-free intercourse
• only with specific partners or circumstances
• with tampon use
• along with burning, itching, or aching
• with a feeling of stabbing pain, similar to menstrual cramps

Who’s at risk for dyspareunia?

Both women and men can experience dyspareunia, but the condition is more common in women. Dyspareunia is one of the most common problems of postmenopausal women.

You’re at an increased risk if you:

• take medications that cause vaginal dryness
• have a viral or bacterial infection
• are postmenopausal

Medications

Dyspareunia treatments are based on the cause of the condition. If your pain is caused by an underlying infection or condition, natural ayurvedic medications may restore natural lubrication and reduce pain.

Low estrogen levels cause dyspareunia in some women. We give natural cream or ointment for Local application. Some medicine containing Phytoestrogen are also added accordingly.

This can reduce the amount of pain women experience with sexual intercourse.

Home care

These home remedies can also reduce dyspareunia symptoms:

• Use water-soluble lubricants.
• Purchase water-soluble lubricants here.
• Have sex when you and your partner are relaxed.
• Communicate openly with your partner about your pain.
• Empty your bladder before sex.
• Take a warm bath before sex.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before sex.
• Find a selection of pain relievers online.
• Apply an ice pack to the vulva to calm burning after sex. Shop for ice packs.

Desensitization Therapy

Mainly in Vaginismus patients, we teach vaginal relaxation techniques, such as Kegel exercises, that can decrease pain.

In sex therapy, you can learn how to re-establish intimacy and improve communication with your partner.

Preventing Dyspareunia

There’s no specific prevention for dyspareunia. But you can do the following to reduce the risk of pain during intercourse:

• After childbirth, wait at least six weeks before resuming sexual intercourse.
• Use a water-soluble lubricant when vaginal dryness is an issue.
• Use proper hygiene.
• Get proper routine medical care.
• Prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by using condoms or other barriers.
• Encourage natural vaginal lubrication with enough time for foreplay and stimulation.