An Overview of Painful Sex

Dyspareunia can be caused by either medical or psychological reasons that result in the experience of painful sexual intercourse. Painful sex is a common condition that impacts 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, the condition is usually reversible with the help of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, OBGYN serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.

Symptoms of Dyspareunia

The symptoms of dyspareunia are a decrease in the natural lubrication of the vagina, as well as the vagina being less or undialated. These symptoms cause pain in the phallus during penetration making sexual intercourse painful.

Causes of Painful Sex

There are many causes of painful sex. A proper physical exam by Dr. Eisenberg is the only way to diagnose dyspareunia due to the fact that this condition can be caused by medical and/or psychological reasons. Some of the physical causes of dyspareunia include infections of various parts of the vagina including the urinary tract, cervix and fallopian tubes. Other causes can include surgical scar tissue, ovarian cysts or tumors, STDs and estrogen deficiencies. There are more causes less frequently seen, thus, it is best to see a doctor to help diagnose them.

Treatment of Dyspareunia

Treatment for dyspareunia will depend on the cause of pain during sexual intercourse. After a thorough physical examination and medical review, Dr. Eisenberg will explain the cause of the pain so that steps can be taken to lessen and remove the pain over time. Some of these steps often include the removal of the pain source when needed, usage of a lubricant, changes to a couples sexual routine and decreasing the depth of penetration.

If non-surgical measures do not alleviate painful sex, or if the pain is caused by a reproductive condition, a surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the condition. Common health conditions that may cause dyspareunia include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Dr. Eisenberg will select the appropriate surgical treatment based on the health condition present in each patient.

For more information on dyspareunia, or to determine the cause of your painful sex, please contact the office of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, OBGYN serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.