Occasionally, dyspareunia is caused by a combination of conditions and surgery is pursued after all noninvasive treatments have been explored. Significant anatomical physical changes or injuries can require surgery to correct the underlying issue. But counseling is rarely used alone.įor most women, surgery is not required to resolve dyspareunia, but it is appropriate in some cases. Counseling can help address these concerns, and it is an important part of a treatment plan. Many women with pain experience anxiety related to intercourse, especially if they have a history of trauma or chronic disease. Some therapists specialize in treating the pelvic floor, while others focus on spine or skeletal issues or injuries. Physical therapy is often helpful for women with dyspareunia due to pelvic muscle or other physical changes. Do not use over-the-counter preparations without speaking to a health care provider first. Some women find relief from medications that target the nerves and muscles of the pelvis, and this can include topical or injectable medications. For hormonal causes, treatment can include starting or changing contraceptives, or applying creams or other ointments directly to the vulva and vaginal tissue. Various treatment options are available, and the treatment right for you will depend on the cause of your dyspareunia:Īntibiotic or antifungal medications are used if a pelvic or vaginal infection is suspected. Changes to your skeletal system also could cause dyspareunia, including scoliosis, lumbar spine disease and hip injuries. Uterine fibroids and pelvic organ prolapse are examples of physical changes that can cause discomfort with certain sexual positions. Early detection of the issue and beginning a treatment plan is important to prevent a snowball effect of worsening symptoms. This can lead to pain during intercourse. Women's pelvic muscles are at an increased risk of contracting and relaxing at incorrect times due to pregnancy, childbirth, abdominal or pelvic surgeries, sports injuries, trauma or chronic constipation. Your treatment will vary based on the cause of your hormonal changes. Times of extreme hormonal fluctuation, like pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, can contribute to discomfort to the area outside the vagina (vulva) and along the vaginal walls. Your health care provider can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to provide relief from your symptoms. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as vaginal infections like yeast and bacterial vaginitis can cause painful intercourse. There are many possible causes of painful intercourse, including: A trusted health care provider can help diagnose and treat the underlying issue and prevent symptoms from worsening or progressing into a more complex problem like decreased libido, anxiety or fear of sexual activity. Some women never discuss their concerns, either because they are embarrassed or feel the issue was dismissed or not fully investigated before. There is no minimum amount of time that you should experience discomfort before discussing it. It is important to discuss the pain you are experiencing with your health care provider, even if you don't experience pain every time you have intercourse.
An estimated 40% of women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.ĭyspareunia is the medical term for pain that occurs immediately before, during or after intercourse but not during other activities. If you experience pain during intercourse, you are not alone.
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