Pain During Sexual Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Dyspareunia, or pain during sexual intercourse, may have several causes.  Pain during intercourse may have significant negative consequences for a couple, leading to lack of sexual desire and uneasy feelings during intimacy with ones partner.

One after-effect of atrophic vaginitis is dyspareunia.  An atrophic vagina is thin, fragile, lacks eliasticity above all is dry and unlubricated.  This may cause pain during sexual intercourse, which may negatively impact a relationship.

Dyspareunia may also be caused by pain in the perineal region from scarring following delivery or other trauma, or it may be due to a vaginal infection, urinary tract infection, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvar vestibulitis, or muscle spasms within the pelvis.

Understanding the cause of pain so that the most effective treatment may be offered is critical.  Vaginal laser therapy may be effective in alleviating many of the causes of painful intercourse.  In addition, other treatments may be needed such as specialized pelvic therapy, appropriate creams or medications to treat other conditions.  The professionals at the Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health will work to diagnose all of the causes of dyspareunia to provide the most effective treatment.