Severe Dyspareunia
What is Severe Dyspareunia?
Severe Dyspareunia is a chronic condition in which pain that occurs during intercourse or sexual activity is severe enough to physically and emotionally impair a person’s quality of life. It can be described as an intense burning, stinging, or aching pain that occurs just before, during, or after intercourse. It can be classified as primary when no other obvious cause can be identified and secondary when there is an identifiable cause, such as another medical condition or the use of a medication.
What are the Symptoms of Severe Dyspareunia?
- Pain during, or immediately after, intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdominal area
- Pain in the vaginal area
- Pain in the clitoris
- Pain in the labia (the area around the vaginal opening)
- Pain in the hips or lower back
- Pain when sitting or walking for long periods of time
Possible Causes of Severe Dyspareunia
The causes of severe dyspareunia can be physical or psychological in nature, or a combination of both. Physical causes can include:
- Infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted diseases
- Vaginal dryness due to changes in hormones at menopause, breastfeeding, or certain medical conditions
- Injury or trauma to the pelvic area
- Growths on the cervix, vagina, or uterus
- Physical defects or damage to reproductive organs, such as endometriosis
- Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
- Spasms in the muscles and nerves in the vaginal and pelvic area
Psychological causes may include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Negative thoughts or feelings about sex
- Being overly conscious of the body and sensations during intercourse
- Fears or past trauma related to sexual activity
Severe Dyspareunia Treatment
The treatment for severe dyspareunia will depend on the underlying cause. For physical causes, treatment may involve medications, such as topical lubricants, hormones, or antibiotics. Surgery may also be needed to correct any physical defects. For psychological causes, counseling and behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial. In some cases, a combination of physical and psychological therapies may be necessary.