DYSPAREUNIA AND PAIN DURING INTERCOURSE
WHAT IS DYSPAREUNIA?
The term is used both for men and for women. It involves about 3 % of couples and is a compelling reason for consultation
The causes of dyspareunia vary, but the possibility of identifying them during coitus and even afterwards facilitates detection and treatment
THE ORIGINS OF THESE PAINS
A medical examination is necessary in order to eventually screen for herpes, painful scar tissue, ulceration, infection, annular fissures, malformation of the vulva, postmenopausal vaginal dryness and chronic irritations.
The vagina, the cervix (infection), the uterus (endometriosis), a tear of the ligaments during childbirth should not be neglected, and neither should signs of colitis or constipation.
If the medical specialist cannot identify an organic cause, it is necessary to turn to a sex therapist in order to avoid venturing in the psychosomatic maze alone.
There are many possible psychological causes: a strict education instilling a guiltiness when indulging in pleasure, or conflicting relations with the partner to whom it is sometimes easier to say “it hurts” than “I do not want sex”. Possible causes also include the rejection of sexuality of femininity in general, fear of man or repercussions from sexual assault, and sexual dysfunction from the partner (premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and anejaculation).
THE TREATMENT
The notion of female orgasm is also to be taken into account: women may start to experience pleasure in an area that was previously a mere source of pain and dissatisfaction.
WHAT IS DYSPAREUNIA?
The term is used both for men and for women. It involves about 3 % of couples and is a compelling reason for consultation
The causes of dyspareunia vary, but the possibility of identifying them during coitus and even afterwards facilitates detection and treatment
THE ORIGINS OF THESE PAINS
A medical examination is necessary in order to eventually screen for herpes, painful scar tissue, ulceration, infection, annular fissures, malformation of the vulva, postmenopausal vaginal dryness and chronic irritations.
The vagina, the cervix (infection), the uterus (endometriosis), a tear of the ligaments during childbirth should not be neglected, and neither should signs of colitis or constipation.
If the medical specialist cannot identify an organic cause, it is necessary to turn to a sex therapist in order to avoid venturing in the psychosomatic maze alone.
There are many possible psychological causes: a strict education instilling a guiltiness when indulging in pleasure, or conflicting relations with the partner to whom it is sometimes easier to say “it hurts” than “I do not want sex”. Possible causes also include the rejection of sexuality of femininity in general, fear of man or repercussions from sexual assault, and sexual dysfunction from the partner (premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and anejaculation).
THE TREATMENT
The notion of female orgasm is also to be taken into account: women may start to experience pleasure in an area that was previously a mere source of pain and dissatisfaction.