What is painful intercourse?
At some point in your life, you may experience pain during intercourse, which is medically referred to as dyspareunia.
Symptoms may include:
- Burning or aching pain
- Pain during entry and thrusting
- Pain when inserting a tampon
- Pulsing pain that lasts hours after intercourse
What causes painful intercourse
You may be experiencing pain during intercourse for a number of reasons, including:
- Vaginal dryness from hormonal changes caused by menopause, nursing, or medication
- Injury or trauma to your pelvic region
- Inflammation or skin disorder of vaginal tissue
- Abnormality present since birth such as the absence of a fully formed vagina
- Endometriosis, a condition where your endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus
- Uterine fibroids
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Scarring following vaginal surgery
- Vaginismus, which is the involuntary spasms of the muscles of your vagina
Emotional issues — such as anxiety, depression, or stress — may also lead to painful intercourse.
When should I see a doctor for painful intercourse?
If pain during intercourse is affecting your relationships, please contact Grapevine Women’s Health for an evaluation. The team can work towards solutions that will help to alleviate your discomfort.
In addition to improving your pleasure and intimacy with your partner, treating painful intercourse also improves self-esteem.
How is painful intercourse treated?
Treatment for painful intercourse varies and depends on the cause.
Common treatments include:
- Medication to treat an infection or improve hormonal levels
- Pelvic physical therapy -- vaginal relaxation exercises
- Sex therapy
- Evaluation by a gastroenterologist
- Laser treatment with MonaLisa Touch
If your pain is due to endometriosis, the practitioners at Grapevine Women’s Health and Gynecology can develop treatment plans to help relieve your discomfort and improve your health.
What is MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch is an advanced laser system that improves the health and function of your vaginal tissue. The team at Grapevine Women’s Health and Gynecology may suggest treatment with MonaLisa Touch if your painful intercourse is due to vaginal dryness or laxity.
MonaLisa Touch stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein that makes your vaginal tissue strong and pliable, to rejuvenate vaginal health. An increase in collagen production also improves vaginal lubrication.
If you’re experiencing painful intercourse, call the office or schedule an appointment online for an evaluation.
