Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, refers to persistent or recurring pain during or after sexual activity. It can occur for a variety of reasons—both physical and emotional—and may affect women at any stage of life, including before, during, or after pregnancy, and through menopause. This condition is common and treatable, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Advanced Women’s Care, we offer compassionate, expert support to help women regain comfort and confidence in their intimate relationships.
Dyspareunia can have many underlying causes. Some of the most common include:
Vaginal dryness (especially after childbirth or during menopause)
Infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Endometriosis
Vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms)
Childbirth-related trauma, including perineal tears or scarring
Irritation from products like soaps, condoms, or lubricants
Hormonal changes, such as those in pregnancy or menopause
Emotional stress, anxiety, or past trauma
Sometimes, more than one factor contributes to discomfort, and identifying the source is key to successful treatment.
The location and nature of the pain provide important clues about its origin. Dyspareunia may cause a variety of symptoms depending on the underlying issue, such as:
Being open and honest with your provider is key to identifying the root cause. To diagnose dyspareunia, your healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, including any sexual health concerns, hormonal changes, and emotional factors. A pelvic exam may be performed to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anatomical abnormalities. Other diagnostic tools might include:
Treatment depends on the specific cause and may include:
Lubricants or vaginal moisturizers for dryness
Topical estrogen creams for menopause-related thinning
Antibiotics or antifungals if an infection is present
Pelvic floor physical therapy for muscle-related pain
Counseling or therapy for emotional or psychological factors
Lifestyle adjustments, such as switching soaps or using hypoallergenic products
Hormone therapy if appropriate for your age or stage of life
Your care plan should be personalized and may involve a combination of treatments.
Dyspareunia is a common but often underreported condition that can deeply impact emotional and physical well-being. At Advanced Women’s Care, we are committed to helping women find relief through comprehensive evaluation and compassionate care. If intercourse has become painful for you, there are answers—and there is help. You deserve a healthy, fulfilling intimate life.
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