Painful intercourse in women “Dysparunia” can occur for several reasons:
– Endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) extends outside the uterus, and attaches to and irritates organs in your abdomen.
– Adenomyosis where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall (myometrium) of the uterus.
– Adhesions (scar tissue) from a previous infection or surgery, may trigger pain by causing organs to move away from their normal location or to become fixed (stuck) in an abnormal position.
– Inadequate vaginal lubrication causing dryness can contribute to sexual pain. Common reasons of dryness can Include:
1- low estrogen levels (induced, surgical or natural menopause, after childbirth, or during the breastfeeding)
2- medications that are associated with lack of sexual arousal (antihypertensives, antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, and certain hormonal agents).
– Uterine fibroids or myomas, which are benign (non-cancerous) growths in the wall of your uterus.
– Ovarian cyst, a fluid-filled sac that grows inside your ovary and that can cause pain.
Other less common causes of pain during intercourse include:
– Trauma or surgery of the genital organs,
– Infections or inflammation of the vulva, vagina, or pelvis
– Vaginusmus (painful spasms of the muscles of the vagina)
– History of sexual abuse
-Psychological conditions (depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, stress)
Depending on what is causing your pain, there are several treatments, ranging from prescribing medication to keep endometriosis from growing or to shrink a fibroid — to laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery to remove scar tissue or cysts.