Dyspareunia Causes

Dyspareunia is better known as painful sexual intercourse for a woman. Many women suffer from dyspareunia but are reluctant to discuss or seek treatment for the issue. Dyspareunia causes can be physical and psychological in nature, and a woman should speak with a trained professional to determine the actual cause of dyspareunia. Treatment options are available to reduce or eliminate dyspareunia and make sex pleasurable once again.

Physical Causes

1. Not having enough lubrication can result in painful intercourse. A lack of foreplay, menopause and certain medications can contribute to dyspareunia. Birth control pills and anti-depressant medications are two common culprits which decrease a woman's natural lubrication, making sexual intercourse painful.
2. A vaginal injury or other skin infection of the genital region can make intercourse painful. Injury from childbirth, an episiotomy or other surgery can cause dyspareunia for several weeks or months until it is healed. Dry skin, herpes or genital warts, or a yeast infection can all be causes of dyspareunia.
3. Allergic reactions to birth control can contribute to dyspareunia. Some women are allergic to spermicides or latex condoms.  An allergic reaction will irritate the vagina, making sexual intercourse painful.
4. Vaginusmus or vestibulitis can create extremely painful sexual intercourse. Vaginusmus makes penial penetration difficult due to spasms of the vagina, while vestibulitis creates an unknown burning sensation at the entrance to your vagina.

Pyschological Causes

1. Stress and anxiety can be a factor for dyspareunia.  A woman with a lot of stress and anxiety in her life may find sexual intercourse to be painful. She may not be able to "get into the mood" due to focusing on her problems and worries.
2. Mentai health or body images issues are a main psychological dyspareunia cause.  Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and problems within a marriage or relationship can lead to decreased intimacy and painful sexual intercourse.
3. Post-traumatic stress over past incidents can play a role in painful intercourse. If the woman has been abused or raped, she may be uncomfortable about sex. This is an understandable reaction, but it can lead to dyspareunia.

Speak with your healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms of dyspareunia or painful intercourse. Your doctor can help determine the cause of dyspareunia and provide you with the proper treatment to make sexual intercourse pleasurable and enjoyable again.