Hey everyone! While thinking about what to write about for this blog post, I was thinking about how a ton of people have pelvic pain with intercourse, also known as dyspareunia.
So what exactly is dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is persistent or recurring pelvic pain occurring just prior to, during or after intercourse.
Dyspareunia, while quite common, is often underreported. You can have either pain with initial penetration, pain with increased depth of penetration, or both.
What are common symptoms of dyspareunia?
- Sharp pain with penetration of any object, including tampons
- Deep pain with increased depth of penetration
- Burning, sharp or achey pain
- Throbbing pain lasting after sexual activity
What are Common Causes of Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia can be caused by multiple conditions, including:
- Injury, trauma or skin irritation to the genitals
- Inflammation or infection
- Vaginismus
- Not enough lubrication during sexual activity
- Past Surgeries or medical treatments
- Certain Illness or Conditions (Endometriosis, IBS, hemorrhoids, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- Emotional Factors such as anxiety or previous trauma history
Diagnosis of Dyspareunia occurs with the taking of a medical history and a pelvic or rectal exam to help determine the cause of increased symptoms. The wonderful thing is even though Dyspareunia is common, it can be treated!
After speaking with a doctor to determine cause of symptoms, treatment strategies can include use of medications/steroids, estrogen creams, use of lubricants, desensitization therapy, Sex Therapy/Counseling, and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy!
While people say Dyspareunia is common, it is NOT normal, so speak to a doctor today!
