Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Some people developpain in the genital area before, during, or after sexual intercourse. That pain is referred to medically as dyspareunia. Though it is more likely to occur in cis women, anyone can experience dyspareunia.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for those with dyspareunia.
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Types of Dyspareunia
There are two types of dyspareunia: entry and deep. Entry dyspareunia describes pain during the initial penetration period of sexual intercourse. Deep dyspareunia is the type that develops during sexual intercourse when deep penetration occurs.
The condition can also fall into two other categories: primary and secondary. Primary dyspareunia refers to pain that occurs the first time a person has sex. In contrast, the pain in secondary dyspareunia refers to pain that develops after a period of pain-free sex.
How Common Is Dyspareunia?Roughly 10–20% of females and 1–5% of males will experience dyspareunia at some point in their lifetimes.
How Common Is Dyspareunia?
Roughly 10–20% of females and 1–5% of males will experience dyspareunia at some point in their lifetimes.
What Are the Symptoms of Dyspareunia?
The main symptom associated with dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse. The pain for both males and females is similar but not exactly the same.
Affects the entire genital region, including the pelvis
Pain during ejaculation or erection
May radiate into the pelvis
Pain may occur only at the entrance of the vagina or in the vaginal canal
What Does Dyspareunia Feel Like?The type of pain that develops in people with dyspareunia can present as intense feelings of:BurningDull throbbingSharp and stabbingResemble menstrual crampsMuscle spasms or tightness
What Does Dyspareunia Feel Like?
The type of pain that develops in people with dyspareunia can present as intense feelings of:BurningDull throbbingSharp and stabbingResemble menstrual crampsMuscle spasms or tightness
The type of pain that develops in people with dyspareunia can present as intense feelings of:
Painful Ejaculation (Male Dysorgasmia)
What Causes Dyspareunia?
Many things can cause dyspareunia, including infections or chronic diseases. The causes differ depending on whether a male or a female is experiencing it.
Causes in females include:
Lubrication and DyspareuniaAnother possible cause of dyspareunia is a lack of lubricant during sexual intercourse. If the area is dry and there is too much friction, all genders can experience pain during sexual activity.
Lubrication and Dyspareunia
Another possible cause of dyspareunia is a lack of lubricant during sexual intercourse. If the area is dry and there is too much friction, all genders can experience pain during sexual activity.
What Causes a Sore Vagina?
How Is Dyspareunia Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers will gather a health history and a list of symptoms as the first step in the diagnostic process. Some standard information you will need to share includes:
A physical exam of the genital area will follow this collection of your past and current state of health. During the physical exam, muscle strength in the genital area will be examined through a series of movements, such as coughing, when the medical provider says so.
Cultures orbiopsiesof the area may also be taken to help further confirm the cause of dyspareunia.
Why Are Cultures and Biopsies Taken?Because there are so many causes of dyspareunia, including infections and dermatologic conditions, cultures and biopsies are necessary to help rule out or confirm the diagnosis of possible causes, such as sexually transmitted infections or skin disorders.
Why Are Cultures and Biopsies Taken?
Because there are so many causes of dyspareunia, including infections and dermatologic conditions, cultures and biopsies are necessary to help rule out or confirm the diagnosis of possible causes, such as sexually transmitted infections or skin disorders.
STD Diagnosis
How Is Dyspareunia Treated?
Treating dyspareunia has to be personalized to the individual because there are many different causes. For example, if a person has an STI, they will be given antibiotics to clear it up, which will be the course of treatment for their specific cause.
However, for disorders that are not as simple to treat, medical providers often take a multipronged approach to address dyspareunia’s physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects. Possible treatments can include:
Integrative Treatments for DyspareuniaIn some cases, using multiple treatment methods works best for dyspareunia. Research has shown that combining different treatments, such as acupuncture, neural therapy, and trigger point therapy, may help to cure or alleviate the pain felt in dyspareunia.
Integrative Treatments for Dyspareunia
In some cases, using multiple treatment methods works best for dyspareunia. Research has shown that combining different treatments, such as acupuncture, neural therapy, and trigger point therapy, may help to cure or alleviate the pain felt in dyspareunia.
A Guide to Regular STI Screenings
How to Cope With Dyspareunia
Dealing with dyspareunia isn’t easy. That is why developing proper coping techniques while you wait for treatment to alleviate the pain is crucial to your overall recovery. To avoid creating a poor body image or a poor relationship with sex, you can:
Summary
Dyspareunia is a common affliction that can affect all people. When the pain develops, it can feel dull and throbbing, stabbing and sharp, or resemble menstrual cramps. Because there are many causes of dyspareunia, you must speak to your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis. That way, you can find the optimal treatment to remedy the situation and alleviate the pain.
Having pain during sexual intercourse can reduce overall satisfaction in life and partnerships. Because of that, treatment addresses both the pain and the psychological consequences it can have on a person. To cope with dyspareunia while undergoing treatment, it’s helpful to establish a healthy relationship with yourself, your body, and your partner through inner work, counseling, and non-penetrative intimacy.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Seehusen DA, Baird DC, Bode DV.Dyspareunia in women.Am Fam Physician.2014 Oct 1;90(7):465-70. PMID: 25369624.
Hellstrom WJG, DeLay K.Male dyspareunia.
Sorensen J, Bautista KE, Lamvu G, Feranec J.Evaluation and treatment of female sexual pain: a clinical review.Cureus.2018 Mar 27;10(3):e2379. doi:10.7759/cureus.2379
Osmosis From Elsevier.Dyspareunia.
Alizadeh A, Farnam F.Coping with dyspareunia, the importance of inter and intrapersonal context on women’s sexual distress: A population-based study.Reprod Health.2021 Jul 28;18(1):161. doi:10.1186/s12978-021-01206-8
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