Although the condition sounds quite complicated, and possibly even fatal, the definition of dyspareunia is rather simple. Dyspareunia is painful intercourse. A more exact definition is persistent or recurring genital pain that may occur immediately before, during or just after intercourse. Most women-one in five-will experience pain during intercourse at some point during their life, but dyspareunia is more than an occasional thing. The key to diagnosing dyspareunia is that the pain comes back. In some rare cases, but men may suffer from this condition as well.
Symptoms: The symptoms of dyspareunia will vary from woman to woman and possibly with each act of intercourse. They may include superficial pain upon penetration-the most common complaint, a bumping sensation deep in the vagina or “bottoming out”, a sharp stabbing pain or cramping similar to menstrual cramps. In men, the pain is usually felt in the penis bu it can also be felt in the testicles or internally at the prostate or seminal vesicles.
Causes: Dyspareunia is brought on by either physical or psychological cases. Superficial dyspareunia (usually physical) most often include insufficient lubrication, injury or irritation, infection, adverse reactions to birth control or an involuntary tightening of the vaginal walls known as vaginusmus. The causes of deep dyspareunia (physical or psychological) include illness or internal conditions (such as endometriosis or cysts), infection, surgery or treatment. Emotional causes can create superficial and deep dysparenuia symptoms. The emotional causes include a history of sexual abuse, stress and anxiety. In male dyspareunia, the cause is usually an infection or ailment. Rough sex or masturbation can also lead to small tears in the foreskin which is extremely painful as is a too tight foreskin. As with women, men may also suffer from dyspareunia due to emotional issues.
Treatment: Most cases of dyspareunia can be reversed with treatment once the underlying cause is diagnosed. In the case of insufficient lubrication, dyspareunia can be remedied by slowing down and engaging in extended foreplay or using additional lubricant. If the cause of the pain is too deep of penetration, all it takes to reverse the problem is changing the position. In the case of infection, treating the infection can remedy the dyspareunia. In the case of underlying emotional issues, talking openly and honestly with your partner may alleviate the pain. In cases of abuse, professional help from a counselor should be sought. The greatest problem with treating dyspareunia is that most patients have come to associate pain with sex and will continue to feel pain even after treatment of the root cause.
Many who suffer from this condition will not seek treatment out of embarrassment. Left untreated, dyspareunia can permanently disrupt your sex life and lead to self image disorders and intimacy problems. Until pain free sex can be achieved, it is recommended that couples engage in a variety of sensual techniques. Massage, oral sex and mutual masturbation can all be fulfilling activities to engage in. If you feel comfortable shopping for sexual aids in public, a trip to the Hustler Hollywood store on State Route 63 in Monroe might be just what the doctor ordered. If the thought of purchasing sexual novelties in public makes you cringe, Adam & Eve offer a great assortment of items online. If the cause of your dyspareunia is emotional, the Dayton area has a number of therapists who can assist you in tackling the root cause of your sexual pain.
