Painful Sexual Intercourse Treatment in Delhi

Painful sexual intercourse or dyspareunia may result due to numerous reasons ranging from structural problems to psychological concerns. This problem troubles a lot of people at some point in their lives. 

What is Dyspareunia?

Painful sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is classified as continuous or recurring pain right before, during or after sex. The pain manifests in the genital region.

Women can experience pain due to dyspareunia in the vulvar region – to the labia or at the opening of the vagina – and sometimes, internally, in the cervix, uterus or lower abdomen.

It is a common occurrence among a lot of people which leads to a negative impact on their emotional and psychological health. Additionally, couples may also suffer from loss of intimacy and experience strain in their relationship.

To determine the best line of treatment, your doctor will have to understand your symptoms to figure out the root cause behind the pain during sexual intercourse.

Who is most likely to have dyspareunia?

While dyspareunia can affect men and women of all ages, women are more vulnerable to experiencing pain during sex. Mainly, the pain occurs due to physical or medical conditions, but it can also result from psychological issues. 

How common is dyspareunia?

Painful sexual intercourse is one of the most common gynaecological problems healthcare practitioners deal with on a daily basis. The prevalence of dyspareunia varies globally, affecting between 3% and 18% of people at any given time, and 10% to 28% over the course of their lives. As per a study, this condition affects up to 10-20% people in the United States at some point in their lives.

Are there different types of dyspareunia?

The types of dyspareunia are determined based on the location of the pain.

• Entry pain (intraorbital or superficial dyspareunia): As the name suggests, this type of dyspareunia causes pain at the entrance of the vagina during initial penetration. It may be the result of lack of lubrication, injury or infection.
• Deep pain (collision dyspareunia): This type of dyspareunia occurs due to deep penetration, and may worsen in certain sexual positions. Women experience this pain in their cervix or lower abdominal area. Usually, it occurs due to a prior surgery or any medical condition.

Discomfort during sexual activity can be categorised as primary, secondary, complete, or situational:

• Primary discomfort refers to pain experienced since becoming sexually active.
• Secondary discomfort arises after initially experiencing pain-free sexual encounters.
• Complete discomfort denotes consistent pain during every sexual encounter.
• Situational discomfort occurs only at specific times during sexual activity.

Dyspareunia Causes

Several cases of dyspareunia are only because of insufficient vaginal lubrication. Such cases get easily resolved by getting relaxed, increasing the foreplay or using a sexual lubricant.

Dyspareunia in Women

In other cases, you may experience pain during sexual intercourse due to the presence of the following conditions:

• Vaginismus: Fear of pain or previous trauma can trigger spasms in the vaginal muscles.
• Vaginal atrophy: The vaginal lining may lose its usual moisture and thickness, becoming dry, thin, and inflamed. This condition can stem from medication, menopause, or other hormonal shifts.
• Vaginal infections: These are frequently occurring and may include yeast infections.
• Cervical issues (opening to the uterus): Deep penetration can reach the cervix, potentially causing discomfort due to infection in the cervix.
• Uterine problems: These could involve fibroids, which may lead to pain during deep intercourse.
• Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
• Ovarian issues: Examples may include ovarian cysts.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Inflammation deep within the tissues can result in significant discomfort during intercourse.
• Ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus.
• Intercourse after delivery: Having intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): These may encompass genital warts, herpes sores, or other STIs.
• Vulvodynia: It is characterised by chronic pain in the vulvar region.
• Vulvar or vaginal injury: Such injuries may include tears from childbirth or episiotomies performed during labour.
• Skin disorders on genitals: Skin disorders that affect the genital region.
• Psychological factors: Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can hinder sexual arousal and contribute to pain during intercourse. People who have experienced sexual abuse are also vulnerable to this condition.

Dyspareunia in Men

Similar to women, men too may experience pain during intercourse if there isn’t enough vaginal lubrication. This issue can be addressed by using sexual lubricants. Additionally, men may encounter painful sex due to specific penile disorders:

• Foreskin damage: Injuries to the foreskin resulting from friction or tearing can cause discomfort.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Yeast infections or infections beneath the foreskin, along with common STIs like genital herpes or gonorrhoea, can induce pain during sex.
• Penis abnormalities: Conditions such as Peyronie’s disease or other penile deformities can contribute to painful intercourse.
• Painful erections: Priapism, a condition involving prolonged and painful erections, can also lead to discomfort during sexual activity.

Symptoms of Dyspareunia

If experiencing pain during intercourse, you might notice:

• Sharp discomfort on penetration or during initial entry
• Deep-seated pain during thrusting
• Throbbing or aching sensations post-intercourse
• Burning sensations
• Pelvic cramps
• Muscle tightness or spasms

What does dyspareunia feel like?

The primary symptom often involves pain during intercourse, felt either at the vaginal opening or deep within the pelvis. This pain may be affecting a specific area or trouble the entire genital region. Discomfort, burning sensations, or throbbing may also be experienced.

Does dyspareunia cause bleeding?

Dyspareunia doesn’t typically result in bleeding. Any bleeding observed during sexual intercourse is likely attributable to an underlying medical condition. This bleeding could stem from the same issue responsible for the painful sexual intercourse.

How do I talk to my doctor about painful sex?

Having an open discussion is the key to busting the actual cause behind any discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. Your healthcare provider may inquire about:

• The location of the pain
• Frequency of pain occurrences
• Duration of painful intercourse
• How does the pain feel like
• Medications currently being taken
• History of any previous surgeries in the area
• Past treatments for vaginal conditions

Diagnosis and Tests

As already highlighted, the most important thing to treat dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse is to detect the main cause accurately. Hence, your doctor may have to use a combination of open discussion and a range of tests to diagnose the condition correctly.

How is dyspareunia diagnosed?

Your physician can identify the root cause of pain during sexual intercourse through a comprehensive health history and physical examination. The physical examination may involve assessing your pelvis, abdomen, vagina, and uterus.

What tests are done to diagnose dyspareunia?

To identify the origin of the pain and ascertain any medical conditions, healthcare providers may conduct the following:

• • Physical examination: This assessment might encompass a pelvic exam, rectal exam, and Pap test. Additionally, your doctor may collect samples of vaginal fluid and urine for infection testing.
  • Ultrasounds: Transvaginal ultrasound can provide a more detailed view of the female reproductive system.
  • Laparoscopy: In rare instances, laparoscopy may be recommended if other diagnostic tests provide inconclusive results.

Dyspareunia Treatment

Certain treatments for pain during sexual intercourse can be managed without medical intervention. For instance, in situations such as painful intercourse post-pregnancy, it’s advisable to wait at least six weeks after childbirth before resuming sexual activity. It’s important to approach intercourse with gentleness and patience. 

For issues like vaginal dryness or insufficient lubrication, experimenting with water-based lubricants can be helpful.

There are several other types of lubricants available in the market which can help in Dyspareunia treatment. These include:

• Water-based lubricants
• Silicone-based lubricants
• Oil-based lubricants
• Natural lubricants

Before picking up on any type of the above mentioned lubricants, you should talk to your healthcare provider to understand which will suit you the best.

Some cases of sexual pain, however, necessitate prescription medication. If vaginal dryness is attributed to menopause, consulting your healthcare provider about oestrogen creams, tablets, rings, or other prescribed medications is recommended. Other underlying causes of painful intercourse may also require prescription medications.

In instances where sexual pain is not linked to an underlying medical condition, sexual therapy could prove beneficial. Some individuals might need assistance in addressing feelings of guilt, inner conflicts related to sex, or emotions stemming from past abuse.

How can you treat dyspareunia naturally?

For some women experiencing dryness as the primary cause, applying a water-based lubricant to the vagina, vulva, and labia can be beneficial. Those who encounter pain during intercourse are often advised to discontinue the use of vaginal perfumes, bubble baths, or scented sanitary pads or toilet paper.

These, however, may not prove beneficial in the longer run or fix the problem completely. Hence, talking to your doctor is highly recommended in such conditions.

Are there medications to take for dyspareunia?

Yes, there are certain medications to treat pain during sexual intercourse. If painful sex is attributed to vaginal dryness resulting from low oestrogen levels, topical estrogens can be applied to the vagina. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication named ospemifene for dyspareunia associated with menopause, which can be taken orally. Additionally, medications can be prescribed to alleviate pain stemming from infections or underlying medical conditions.

You, however, are strongly advised never to self-medicate as it may worsen the situation or lead to a different problem altogether. You should consult a doctor before taking any medication for painful sexual intercourse.

How to Manage Dyspareunia?

There are certain ways you can manage dyspareunia for a time being:

• Use a water-based lubricant to alleviate vaginal dryness
• Engage in sexual activities or positions that minimise discomfort
• Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers before having sexual intercourse
• Allocate time to relax and reduce stress levels before intercourse
• Apply ice packs to the vulva right after sexual intercourse

How long does it take to recover from dyspareunia?

The duration of recovery for dyspareunia varies depending on the underlying cause of the pain experienced during sex. The good thing is that it is possible to get relief and recover from painful sexual intercourse. Whether through medication, counselling, surgery, or the use of lubrication, your doctor can identify a treatment plan to alleviate or eliminate dyspareunia.

Prevention of Dyspareunia

Largely, there is not much you can do to prevent pain during sexual intercourse. It usually occurs because of reasons beyond your control. You, however, can still control some of the factors by just practising safe sex and maintaining good sexual hygiene.

Living With Dyspareunia

Living with painful sexual intercourse can have a huge physical and mental toll on you. Hence, it is advised to see a doctor at the earliest to avoid spoiling your life.

When should I contact my doctor?

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as new or worsening pain during intercourse, bleeding, genital lesions, irregular periods, vaginal discharge, or involuntary vaginal muscle contractions. If you are experiencing pain without an identifiable medical cause, you should see a certified sex counsellor or therapist.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Experiencing painful sexual intercourse can be really troublesome for you. Consider asking your healthcare provider the following questions:

• What is the underlying cause of my pain?
• What treatment options are available?
• Are there any strategies I can implement to alleviate my pain?
• How long can I expect before experiencing relief?

Takeaway

Experiencing pain during sex can be incredibly challenging, impacting not only your physical well-being but also your emotional state and intimate relationships. It is essential to recognise that you are not alone in this experience and that reaching out for help is a crucial step towards finding relief.

Do not let embarrassment hold you back from discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Remember, addressing the issue head-on can significantly improve not just your sex life, but also your sense of intimacy and confidence. You deserve to feel comfortable and fulfilled in your intimate relationships, so do not hesitate to seek support and guidance.

Dr Monga’s in Delhi is one of the best places to help you out in getting the most impactful and quick treatment for dyspareunia. Having been in practice for over seven decades, they have the best team of doctors who have treated thousands of patients suffering from painful sexual intercourse over the years. 

If you are also experiencing any of the above discussed symptoms, book a consultation today with Dr Monga’s and reclaim your happiness.