Painful Intercourse Specialist

What is painful intercourse?

Painful intercourse, also called dyspareunia, is discomfort in the genital region before, during, or after sex. Some women have pain in the vulva or outer genital area, and some experience it internally. 

There are four main types of dyspareunia:

• Primary pain, which occurs the first time you have sexual intercourse
• Secondary pain, which appears after you’ve already had pain-free sexual intercourse
• Complete pain, which happens every time you have sexual intercourse
• Situational pain, which occurs only under certain circumstances

There are many possible reasons for painful intercourse, and the condition is much more common for women than for men. 

What causes painful intercourse?

Painful intercourse can have physical and emotional factors or a combination of both. Some causes are easily fixable, while others require treatment or therapy. 

While reviewing the possible reasons you might be experiencing dyspareunia, the team at Women’s Health Specialists considers these common causes:

• Lack of lubrication
• Injuries or irritation in the area
• Vaginismus (painful vaginal spasms)
• Uterine conditions (e.g., endometriosis, uterine prolapse, fibroids)
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Ovarian cysts
• Scarring from pelvic surgery
• Psychological conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
• Stress
• History of sexual abuse or trauma

Sometimes painful intercourse comes from multiple causes at the same time. After reviewing your symptoms and asking about your medical history, the team at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, uses additional assessments like swab tests, blood tests, or imaging tests to diagnose or rule out their suspicions. 

How is painful intercourse treated?

Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, treats painful intercourse based on the underlying causes they identify during your initial visit. If the pain is circumstantial, you might need to make some changes to your sexual routine, like using lubricants or avoiding certain positions. 

Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, treats many of the most common causes of painful intercourse with medications appropriate for your specific diagnosis. 

For example, you can manage bacterial infections irritating the area with antibiotic medications. Additionally, there are drugs that increase lubrication and alleviate discomfort. 

Without medications or operations, you might be able to treat your dyspareunia with personalized counseling or desensitization therapy. The Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, team works with you to build a plan that works and improves your sexual wellness. 

Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC is here to help you find out why you experience painful intercourse and how you can treat the issue. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation for painful intercourse today.