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.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for those with dyspareunia.
Entry dyspareunia describes pain during the initial penetration period of sexual intercourse.
Deep dyspareunia is the pop in 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 1020% of females and 15% 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.
Many things can cause dyspareunia, including infections or chronic diseases.
The causes differ depending on whether a male or a female is experiencing it.
How Is Dyspareunia Diagnosed?
Cultures orbiopsiesof the area may also be taken to help further confirm the cause of dyspareunia.
Why Are Cultures and Biopsies Taken?
How Is Dyspareunia Treated?
Treating dyspareunia has to be personalized to the individual because there are many different causes.
How to Cope With Dyspareunia
Dealing with dyspareunia isnt easy.
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.
Hellstrom WJG, DeLay K.Male dyspareunia.
doi:10.7759/cureus.2379
Osmosis From Elsevier.Dyspareunia.
