Hello steemnation, in my post yesterday i tried to eliminate various myths surrounding Dyspareunia. Today, the post will focus on the definition proper, causes and signs and symptoms that will prompt you to visit a nearby physician for adequate management.
Dyspareunia is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse due to medical or psychological causes. The pain can primarily be on the external surface of the genitalia, or deeper in the pelvis upon deep pressure against the cervix. It can affect a small portion of the vulva or vagina or be felt all over the surface. Understanding the duration, location, and nature of the pain is important in identifying the causes of the pain.
SYMPTOMS
There is a number of reasons why intercourse can be painful.
The defining symptom of dyspareunia is pain with intercourse which may occur at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis.
There be an aching, burning, throbbing, or ripping sensation that will lead to dissatisfaction with, or disinterest in, intercourse.
NB: Dyspareunia affects more women than men.
CAUSES
WOMEN
The cause of the pain may be anatomic or physiologic, including but not limited to lesions of the vagina, retroversion of the uterus, urinary tract infection, lack of lubrication, scar tissue, or abnormal growths. Some cases may be psychosomatic, which can include fear of pain or injury, feelings of guilt or shame, ignorance of sexual anatomy and physiology, and fear of pregnancy.[6]
In women, common causes for discomfort during sex include
1). Infections: Infections that mostly affect the labia, vagina, or lower urinary tract like yeast infections, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, urinary tract infections, or herpes tend to cause more superficial pain. Infections of the cervix, or fallopian tubes like pelvic inflammatory disease tend to cause deeper pain.
2). Hormonal causes: Endometriosis and adenomyosis
Estrogen deficiency is a particularly common cause of sexual pain complaints related to vaginal atrophy among postmenopausal women and may be a result of similar changes in menstruating women on hormonal birth control. Estrogen deficiency is associated with lubrication inadequacy, which can lead to painful friction during intercourse. Vaginal dryness is often reported by lactating women as well.Women undergoing radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy often experience severe dyspareunia due to the atrophy of the vaginal walls and their susceptibility to trauma.
3). Pelvic masses; ovarian cysts, tumors,and uterine fibroid can cause deep pain
4). Pain from bladder irritation: Dyspareunia is a symptom of a disease called interstitial cystitis (IC). Patients may struggle with bladder pain and discomfort during or after sex. For men with IC, pain occurs at the moment of ejaculation and is focused at the tip of the penis. For women with IC, pain usually occurs the following day, the result of painful, spasms of pelvic floor muscles. Interstitial cystitis patients also struggle with urinary frequency and/or urinary urgency.
5). Psychological such as vaginismus ;The involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles causes vaginismus, leading to painful sexual intercourse
MEN
In men, as in women, there are a number of physical factors that may cause sexual discomfort. Pain is sometimes experienced in the testicular or glans area of the penis immediately after ejaculation.
Infections of the prostate, bladder, or seminal vesicles can lead to intense burning or itching sensations following ejaculation. Men suffering from interstitial cystitis may experience intense pain at the moment of ejaculation. Gonorrheal infections are sometimes associated with burning or sharp penile pains during ejaculation. Urethritis or prostatitis can make genital stimulation painful or uncomfortable.
For men you could have anatomical dysfunctions also that could lead to pain.
As i have mentioned earlier on, visit or see a doctor immediately if you notice any of this symptoms.
Thanks for reading
