Sex is considered to be a pleasurable activity, but sometimes when women experience pain during sexual intercourse; it may lead to the diagnosis of a condition known as dypareunia. If a woman is experiencing pain during sexual union, it may be a chronic condition with underlying medical or psychological causes. It is often very difficult for a number of women to talk about it, but this condition must not be neglected and immediate treatment should be sought.

Dyspareunia is considered to be a physical, rather than emotional condition and can affect men as well, but is reported to be a common problem among women. As per research, it is estimated that almost 60 percent of women are affected by this disorder. Extreme form of this disorder in which the pelvic muscles contract during sexual coitus and forbid any sort of penetration is known as Vaginismus. Recurrent pain in the genitals during or after sexual intercourse can be a debilitating condition and can cause a great deal of turbulence in one’s personal and emotional life.

Symptoms of Dyspareunia:

You might have Dyspareunia if you experience the following symptoms:

Pain during any type of penetration such as during sexual intercourse, while inserting a tampon or any other device for gynecological examination.

Experience of pain after intercourse.

Pain during entry of the phallus into the vagina.

Tormenting pain during deep penetration.

Burning and aching sensation during or after sexual intercourse.

Pain may occur only with a specific partner or under particular circumstances.

Causes of Pain:

There are various factors that are responsible for pain during sexual intercourse. These can range from physical to psychological in nature.

Insufficient lubrication: This may occur in the absence of enough foreplay and can also be caused by various medical reasons such as lowered levels of estrogen after menopause, childbirth or during breast feeding. Intake of various medications such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications and birth control pills etc. can lead to the development of this condition.

Internal injury: Pain during sex may occur due to an accident, pelvic surgery or episiotomy.

Infection: Painful sexual intercourse can also occur in the presence of an infection such as urinary tract infection, eczema, candidiasis, chlamydiam thrychomonas, endometriosis etc.

Psychological problems: Anxiety, depression or unresolved relationship issues also contribute to the development of dyspareunia. Stress can also lead to the development of this disorder.

Sexual abuse: If a woman has a history of sexual abuse she may develop a sort of painful reaction at the thought of having sex.

Treatment:

There are various treatments that are available for rectifying this condition which include medications. In case of psychological problems, a combination of therapy and drugs is often used .