Dyspareunia or painful intercourse is pain in the genital area that occurs continuously or repeatedly during, during, or after sexual intercourse. The pain is sharp, hot, or like menstrual cramps. In addition to the vagina, the pain can also be felt in the bladder, urinary tract, and pelvis.
This condition can be caused by various factors, ranging from the disease being suffered to psychological conditions. It would be better if the treatment of dyspareunia is carried out immediately, because dyspareunia will certainly interfere with the quality of sexual relations. This article will discuss about dyspareunia in women
Causes of Dyspareunia
The causes of dyspareunia can vary from person to person. Need a direct examination by a doctor to find out the cause of dyspareunia.
Several factors can cause dyspareunia, including:
- Not enough lubricant. Insufficient lubrication during sex can be caused by lack of heating or foreplay before sex, decreased estrogen levels in the body due to menopause, or the use of drugs such as antihypertensives, sedatives, antihistamines, or birth control pills.
- Injury or irritation from an accident, pelvic surgery, or vaginal enlargement during childbirth.
- Inflammation of the vagina and urinary tract.
- Have a congenital abnormality, such as an incompletely formed vagina, or a completely closed hymen (no opening at all).
- Suffering from other conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
- Vaginismus, which is a condition when the vaginal muscles and pelvic muscles are tense and painful when something is inserted.
- The impact of surgery or treatment, such as uterine surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy), or chemotherapy.
There are also other factors that can decrease sexual desire and potentially trigger dyspareunia, namely:
- Have fear, guilt, or shame related to sex.
- Stress.
- Having relationship problems with your partner or other people.
- Feeling insecure, restless, even depressed with the appearance or condition of the body.
- Are taking a drug, such as birth control pills.
- Have a history of crime or sexual violence.l.
Symptoms of Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is characterized by the appearance of symptoms in the form of pain continuously or repeatedly, and can occur at the beginning, during, or after sexual intercourse. Pain that appears sharp, hot, or like cramps during menstruation. In addition to the vagina, pain can also appear in the urinary tract (urethra), pelvis, or bladder.
It is possible that the patient may also experience additional symptoms in the form of itching or the appearance of a throbbing sensation that lasts for a long time. In fact, in some cases pain can also appear when the patient uses a tampon.
Dyspareunia Diagnosis
The diagnosis process begins with tracing the symptoms that appear and the patient's medical history. Patients are asked not to be shy about telling their symptoms, such as the location where the pain occurs, or in what position the pain occurs.
After that, the diagnosis can be continued with a pelvic examination. Pelvic examination aims to detect abnormalities in the pelvis such as infection. In the process, the doctor will find out the location of the pain by gently pressing the muscles in the genitals and pelvis.
In addition to a pelvic exam, your doctor may also perform a vaginal exam. In this examination, the doctor usually uses a special instrument (speculum) which is used to provide space between the vaginal walls, so that the doctor can observe the condition.
There are also several other tests that can also be used to diagnose dyspareunia, including:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Vaginal fluid culture test
- urine test
- Allergy test.
If there is a suspicion that dyspareunia is caused by emotional factors, the doctor will usually advise the patient to consult a psychiatrist. Discuss further with the doctor, regarding the benefits and risks of the diagnostic method that will be undertaken.
Dyspareunia Treatment
To treat dyspareunia, the method used can be medication, surgery, or therapy. Consult further with the doctor. The doctor will determine the right method and adjusted to the accompanying cause.
Some of the drugs used to treat dyspareunia are:
- Antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins. This drug is used if the cause is a bacterial infection.
- antifungal, as fluconazole or ketoconazole. This medication is used if the cause is a yeast infection.
This method of surgery is performed when dyspareunia is caused by certain conditions, such as endometriosis. To treat this condition, the doctor will perform surgery to remove the problematic tissue.
In addition to surgery and drug administration, treatment can also be done with therapy. The doctor will adjust the type of therapy to the patient's condition. Some of the therapies that can be used to treat dyspareunia include:
- Therapycognitive behavior. In this therapy, the patient will be given direction to change negative behavior and thought patterns that can trigger dyspareunia.
- desensitization therapy. This therapy aims to relieve pain that occurs during intercourse, through vaginal relaxation techniques.
- Therapyorsex counselling. The goal of this therapy is to overcome negative emotions that can trigger dyspareunia.
Patients can also make some efforts with their partners in reducing the pain that arises during sex. Among others are:
- Open. Don't hold back and tell your partner about comfort during sex, whether it's related to position or rhythm.
- Do notin a hurry. Extend heating time or foreplay when going to have sex, in order to trigger the release of natural lubricants. The pain may also be reduced if the patient delays penetration until fully aroused.
- Change position. If the pain occurs in a certain position, try changing to another position.
If necessary, use lubricating products during sex. Choose a product that is suitable and comfortable to use. Consult further regarding the right method of handling and preventing dyspareunia with your doctor. It is feared that improper methods can worsen the condition.
Prevention of Dyspareunia
There is no method that can definitely prevent dyspareunia. However, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. Among others are:
- After delivery, wait at least 6 weeks for intercourse again.
- Use a lubricant when the vagina is dry.
- Keep the genital area clean.
- Practice safe sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections, for example by avoiding free sex.
Also warm up longer before sex to stimulate natural lubricants. Discuss further with your doctor regarding the efforts that can be made to reduce the risk of dyspareunia. The doctor will determine the appropriate method according to the patient's condition to reduce the risk.
