Everything You Need To Know About Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)

Pain during or after Intercourse is called dyspareunia in medical terms. This feeling not only takes away your pleasure but affects your overall health. You may expect minor pain during penetration, but it’s not normal if you experience it severely or permanently. This pain affects sexual relations and overall health while bringing down your self-confidence. 

If you are aware of this feeling and experiencing this pain severely or only during particular positions, it may be a sign that your pelvic health is compromised. So, it’s time to step towards restoring your sexual comfort and control of pelvic health.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Pain During Intercourse– This guide covers causes, treatments, and prevention tips to help you manage this condition effectively.

What is Dyspareunia?

In medical terms, painful intercourse is called dyspareunia. It refers to the pain in the genital region (down there) that you may feel before, during or after sexual contact. This condition occurs in both men and women; however, women are more likely to experience it. Various physical and psychological reasons lead to this discomfort. 

Women may feel this pain:

• Externally in the vulva or vaginal lips
• On the skin or vaginal canal
• Deep in the pelvic muscles
• In the Uterus
• Lower abdominal area

How Common is Pain During Intercourse?

According to the National Library of Medicine, dyspareunia is a complex pelvic disorder, and it is often neglected. Around 3% to 18% of people around the World experience this pain. It may impact 10% to 18% of people over their lifetime. 

What are the Symptoms of Dyspareunia?

The symptoms of dyspareunia are:

• Pain before, during or after intercourse
• It may be felt at a fixed point or broader area
• Burning, aching, or ripping sensation at the opening of the vagina
• It could be at the opening of the vagina or deep into the pelvis
• Dissatisfying sexual experience
• Pain while inserting tampon
• Discomfort with particular partners or positions.

What Causes Entry Pain During Intercourse?

Here is why you feel entry pain during penetration:

• Vaginal Agenesis: Not having a fully formed vagina during birth.
• Having a layer that blocks vaginal opening.
• Vaginal dryness because of decreases in oestrogen levels after childbirth, during pregnancy or menopause and use of certain medications
• Vaginismus—It refers to the involuntary contractions of the vaginal canal, making penetration difficult and painful. 
• Trauma to the pelvic region during childbirth
• Swelling into the vaginal canal as a result of urinary tract infection
• Eczema-like skin condition in the genital area, which leads to swelling and painful penetration. 

Entry pain may also irritate the skin, and you may wonder how to stop itching immediately. Know that cold compress and aloe vera gel may help.

What Causes Deep Hurt During Intercourse?

If you experience pain during deep penetration or only in particular positions, it may be due to various medical conditions. They include:

• Cystitis: Swelling into walls of the bladder due to bacterial infection. 
• Endometriosis: Growth of the uterus tissue in other areas of the body.
• Fibroids: Harmless, non-cancerous growths of tissue on the walls of the uterus.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome:  A digestive tract disorder.
• Cysts in ovaries (egg-producing organs)
• Pelvic organs (the uterus, rectum or bladder) extend down into the vagina.

Do Psychological Factors Cause Dyspareunia?

Yes, some common emotional factors lead to painful sex. They are:

• Long-term stress: It tightens the pelvic muscles
• Depression and anxiety take down sexual arousal causing vaginal dryness 

How Do Doctors Diagnose Dyspareunia?

Your doctor may diagnose painful sex with the following tests:

1. Medical & Sexual History

The doctor may ask questions about medical conditions in the past, the location, intensity and duration of pain and your partner’s involvement in your relationship—all of this will give them an insight into your medical and sexual history. 

2. Pelvic Examination

The doctor may examine your pelvic region externally and internally to look for any signs of underlying pelvic conditions. 

The doctor may request a pelvic ultrasound and urine or allergy test reports for a detailed analysis.

Now that you know the painful intercourse causes and its diagnostic methods, let’s explore the treatment options.

How is Dyspareunia Treated?

The goal of dyspareunia treatment is to treat the underlying condition causing discomfort. The doctors treat it with:

1. Medications

Medicines like:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Topical or injectable corticosteroids

Treat infection, vaginal dryness, and lower levels of oestrogen to treat dyspareunia. 

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Lower levels of oestrogen after childbirth during pregnancy or menopause cause vaginal dryness leading to less lubrication and pain during sex. Hormone replacement therapy replenishes the lost oestrogen in your blood. It mainly helps ease symptoms in postmenopausal women by improving natural lubrication elasticity and tissue health of the vagina.

3. Empower RF

Empower RF is a revolutionary technology which harnesses the effects of radiofrequency energy, electrical muscle stimulation, and microneedling. The specialised tools of Empower RF by  Inmode are versatile and can provide tailored treatment. The doctor will choose suitable Empower RF technology for you to increase vaginal lubrication and elasticity and improve the pelvic muscle’s strength to help enhance your sexual function while promoting comfort. 

4. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

This is a specialised physical therapy approach that focuses on improving the strength of weak pelvic muscles and relaxing tightening ones. Pelvic floor therapy improves blood circulation and flexibility in the pelvic region, which promotes comfortable and pain-free sex.

To ease the pain during intercourse, the first step is to consult your healthcare provider. They will discuss your history, signs and symptoms and prescribe a suitable treatment to relieve your discomfort.

How to Prevent Dyspareunia?

Follow these simple tips to prevent painful intercourse and promote your sexual experience:

• Keep your vaginal area moisturised but not wet
• Use water-based lubricants during sex.
• Focus more on foreplay—it’s the key to natural lubrication.
• Do not use douche your vagina or use harsh soaps, perfumes or powders down there.
• Stay in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss your

Address Dyspareunia to Improve Your Intimate Experience.

The bottom line is that dyspareunia may affect your sexual relations and overall health. Staying in this condition can bring your confidence down. By recognising causes like vaginal dryness, low oestrogen levels, or medical conditions, you can step forward for its management. Consult an expert doctor to discuss your symptoms and find innovative solutions like hormone replacement therapy and Empower RF treatment in Bradford to find relief. These treatments resolve underlying issues to ease the discomfort and pain during penetration and enhance your overall well-being significantly.
It’s time to take steps to manage dyspareunia, as it’s crucial for your mental and physical well-being. 

FAQs About Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)

1. What does dyspareunia feel like?

Dyspareunia may feel like burning, aching or piercing pain during intercourse. You may feel it before, during or after penetration. 

2. How to treat dyspareunia naturally?

To naturally treat painful sex, apply water or silicone-based lubricants to avoid vaginal dryness during intercourse. Avoid harsh chemical-based products, maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. 

3. When should I see a doctor for pain during intercourse?

Talk to your doctor right away if you experience symptoms like:
Vaginal bleeding

• Worsening  pain during sex
• Genital lesions
• Irregular period cycle
• Abnormal vaginal discharge. 

4. What hormone causes dyspareunia?

Low levels of oestrogen are mostly linked to pain during sex, as it leads to reduced elasticity and vaginal lubrication.