Home NewsLetter
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
UNSUBSCRIBE
Pain during sexual intercourse or arousal, or contact with the genitals is called dyspareunia [pronounced dispar-yoonya], and may be triggered by one or more physical or psychological conditions. Pain can be provoked by inserting a tampon or finger/s or penis into the vagina, or even wearing tight pants, and can be experienced at the entrance to the vagina or deep in the pelvis.
Frequently sexual pain is, or becomes associated with lack of sexual arousal or orgasm, and lack of desire or interest in sex [1].
Some chronic pain is constant even without intercourse, but intercourse increases the pain, often to the point where intercourse is avoided or stopped totally. Nearly all women who have chronic pain of the vulva [lips surrounding the entrance to the vagina] have treated themselves by using over–the–counter anti-fungal medications, but thrush is rarely found on examination, and it is thought that these treatments may have a harmful effect [1].
Superficial pain: may be caused by a viral [herpes] or yeast [thrush] infection, or vaginal dryness following menopause, childbirth or inadequate sexual stimulation before penetration during intercourse.
Vaginismus is a recurrent or persistent involuntary contraction of the muscles surrounding the opening of the vagina, that makes it difficult, extremely painful or impossible to allow vaginal entry of the penis, a finger, and/or any object, despite the woman’s expressed wish to do so, causing personal distress. Vaginismus is the commonest cause of non- consummated marriages [5]
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome [VVS] is associated with pain and redness on the labia [lips surrounding the entrance to the vagina] and burning only with [even light] touch or pressure. VVS is probably one of the commonest causes of dyspareunia [3]
Vulvodynia is associated with continuous chronic burning, rawness, stinging, irritation of the vulva in the absence of any known cause such as infection or skin disease. Pain may occur without contact, and can be constant or intermittent, localized over a small area or affecting the whole vulva.
Deep pain: is felt deep in the pelvis while thrusting during sexual intercourse, and may be due to: infection of the fallopian tubes, a fibroid on the uterus, endometriosis or a tumour or cyst of the ovary.
It is important to talk to your doctor or gynaecologist as there are effective treatments for many of these conditions. If they are not dealt with early then pain during lovemaking can result in a vicious cycle: lack of arousal due to anxiety anticipating the pain- loss of libido- sexual avoidance, leading to guilt and feelings of rejection in the partner, and conflict in the relationship. Sex therapy and or relationship therapy may be needed to resolve all these issues.
