Causes of dyspareunia

There are many different possible causes of dyspareunia. Many of these causes are easily treatable. Common causes of dyspareunia include the following:

*Dryness in or around the vagina

*Atrophic vaginitis, a common condition causing thinning of the vaginal lining in postmenopausal women

*An allergic reaction to clothing, spermicides or douches

*Endometriosis, an often painful condition in which tissue from the uterine lining migrates and grows abnormally inside the pelvis

*Vulvar vestibulitis, which is inflammation of the area surrounding the vaginal opening

*Any skin disease that affects the vaginal area

Male Sexual Dysfunction

Male dysfunction is most commonly in the form of the inability to achieve an erection or the inability to maintain an erection sufficiently to allow normal intercourse. This condition is known as impotence and can cause great distress to the male, not only because it prevents satisfying sexual intercourse but also because many men think it indicates a lack of masculinity.

Premature ejaculation, as its name implies, is when the male orgasm happens too early, thus depriving both partners of sexual satisfaction. This can even happen before penetration and is normally due to excessive excitement. This is fairly common in inexperienced men but will settle down as they become more sexually skilled.

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Due to unrealistic expectations, many men see women who fail to achieve orgasm as being frigid. However, this often occurs because of a lack of affectionate expression by the partner, or a lack of sexual understanding and skill. Of course, there are other causes such as fear of pregnancy, recent childbirth, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), and some prescription drugs. Drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as depression, insomnia, or high blood pressure can prevent female orgasm.

Treatment

Women with dyspareunia were found to have more physical pathology on pelvic examination and greater psychological symptoms. Most common pain with dyspareunia occurs during coitus, but some women experience pain afterward, while others report pain at both times.

Couples therapy can help improve communication between partners and resolve problems that may be a factor in the sexual relationship. Sex therapy may be offered to provide information about the physical aspects of arousal and orgasm. Use of a vaginal lubricant, at least temporarily, may be helpful in some women to reduce anxiety about possible pain.

Medications are prescribed to treat infections. Alternative methods of contraception should be considered.