Types of dyspareunia
What is dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during sex. You may experience discomfort in various ways; dyspareunia pain is often described as burning, cramping, sharp or throbbing. Along with painful intercourse, the condition can also cause discomfort when using a tampon.
Dyspareunia affects nearly 3 out of 4 women at some time in life, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Although the condition is common, you don’t have to manage your pain alone. You can find relief with treatment, including prescribed therapies and at-home remedies.
Your OBGYN may classify the pain you feel based on where it occurs and when it first developed. Types include:
- Entry pain (introital or superficial dyspareunia): Felt in the vulva (the area outside your vagina) or entrance of the vagina
- Deep pain (collision dyspareunia): Felt inside the vagina or in your uterus, bladder, pelvis or lower back
- Primary dyspareunia: Pain that occurs the first time you have sex
- Secondary dyspareunia: Pain that occurs after you’ve had pain-free sex
Dyspareunia symptoms
The primary symptom of dyspareunia is pain during intercourse, but you may experience the pain differently based on the type you have. Superficial dyspareunia causes pain upon entry, while deep dyspareunia pain may occur with deep penetration. While you may experience only superficial or deep dyspareunia, some people experience both.
While it’s most common to feel discomfort in your genitals and pelvis, you may also feel pain in the perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus).
When to see a doctor
If you’re experiencing discomfort during sex, talk to your OBGYN. Sex should not be painful, and even occasional pain can be treated effectively.
Pain during sex can also be a sign of underlying conditions, including infections, ovarian cysts and pelvic floor dysfunctions, so seeking treatment may help you find solutions to seemingly unrelated symptoms and health issues.
Causes of pain during intercourse
Painful intercourse can have a variety of causes, both physical and emotional. Medical conditions, structural problems in your pelvic organs and emotional factors can contribute to both types of dyspareunia.
In some cases, pain may occur due to an allergic reaction to douches, spermicides and feminine hygiene products or a poorly fitting diaphragm or cervical cap. You can address this by avoiding products that cause irritation or talking to your OBGYN about an alternative birth control method.
How is dyspareunia diagnosed?
A medical evaluation for dyspareunia usually consists of:
Dyspareunia treatment
You have many options for treating sexual pain. The right treatment for you will depend on the cause of your discomfort. Often, treating the underlying health issue will alleviate your pain. In many cases, dyspareunia can benefit from conservative treatment options. Otherwise, you may need a surgical procedure to treat endometriosis, adenomyosis or ovarian cysts.
Find a specialized care for dyspareunia
If you’re experiencing painful intercourse, you can trust the women’s health team at Baylor Scott & White to provide compassionate, personalized care. Our services are available at several locations in North and Central Texas.
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