Pain with intercourse is also known as dyspareunia and is often related to a chronic condition known as vulvodynia. The pain is often localized, and confined to the vaginal opening or vestibule. In addition, the pain may be more diffuse involving the lips or labia. Whichever it is, the proper diagnosis is required, in order to ensure the individual is offered help by a vulvovaginal specialist.
What causes dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is pain that occurs with sex. Very often the problem is not correctly diagnosed, as doctors see it as a simply physical problem or purely psychological problem. However based on research by specialists in the field of vaginal health, such as Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler Gyn International, dyspareunia can be a complex problem that can have several interconnected causes.
Despite the unclear diagnosis that surrounds chronic pain with intercourse, studies have shown that it is not the result of sexually transmitted disease. Rather, it is often the result of hormonal changes, vaginal flora changes, and skin sensitivity.
Abrupt hormonal fluctuations are a feature of menopause, but ovarian production with decline in estrogen levels can occur in reproductive aged women as well. Lower levels in all age groups has been linked to dyspareunia. Low estrogen results in thinner vaginal walls, and insufficient lubrication. The latter results in vaginal dryness, which tends to make penetration difficult and uncomfortable.
Vaginal dryness with shrinkage of mucosa and muscle spasms can reduce the diameter of the vagina and linked to the condition.
Treatments for Dyspareunia
In order to effectively treat pain with intercourse, a proper diagnosis must be done. However, due to the lack of specialists in the area, many doctors are not familiar with the condition other than the typical postmenopausal presentation. This leaves many women distressed and depressed, as their primary health care physicians often believe that the symptoms they are experiencing are wholly psychological.
However, a specific examination known as vaginal fluid analysis can determine the specific cause of the condition, so that it can be adequately treated. Very often individualized treatment is required, as the constituents in the vagina that are altered are not the same for every woman.
Dyspareunia can be treated using a mix of different solutions. By finding out the history of a woman’s experience with pain with intercourse, the physician can develop a personalized plan that includes skin care products and vaginal nutrient supplements. Dr. Fowler uses advanced technology to ensure accurate diagnosis, and then crafts a treatment plan that is designed to restore the health of the vagina.