Painful intercourse before and after menopause is a common problem, yet women seldom talk about it. Pain during sex can also be caused by numerous gynecological conditions. The doctors at The Ob-Gyn Center want you to know that you don’t need to put up with painful sex because they’re here to help. They have extensive experience identifying and treating the underlying cause so you can continue to have a healthy sex life. If you have painful intercourse, call the office in Las Vegas or book an appointment online.
The Ob-Gyn Center
Painful Intercourse Q & A
What causes painful intercourse?
Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, develops from a variety of causes, including gynecological problems, such as:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ovarian cysts
- Vaginal muscle spasms (vaginismus)
- Vaginal bacterial and yeast infections with subsequent vaginal odor
- Skin disorders of the external genitalia (lichen sclerosus and lichen planus)
Then there are two more common causes of painful intercourse: vaginal atrophy due to menopause and vulvodynia.
What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy occurs when your levels of estrogen drop before and after menopause. When estrogen declines, the vaginal lining thins out, dehydrates, and loses elasticity, creating a condition called vaginal atrophy.
The same changes that cause vaginal atrophy also affect the lining of your urinary tract. If you develop vaginal atrophy, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal itching
- Loss of lubrication
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Nocturia (getting up during the night to urinate)
More than half of all women develop vaginal atrophy at menopause.
What is vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a condition that causes chronic pain and burning around the opening of your vagina, which is called the vulva. The pain can last for months or years and become so severe that it’s impossible to have sex. You may notice slight swelling in the vulvar area, but most women don’t have any external signs of their pain.
How is painful intercourse treated?
Your doctor at The Ob-Gyn Center first determines the underlying cause of your painful intercourse and then prescribes treatment customized to relieve the problem. In the case of vulvodynia, treatment options include medications to reduce the pain, local anesthesia, and nerve blocks.
When painful intercourse is caused by loss of estrogen, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
HORMONE CREAMS, RINGS, AND PILLS
DHEA
OSPHENA® AND INTRAROSA®
MONALISA TOUCH®
You do not have to put up with painful intercourse. Call The Ob-Gyn Center or book an appointment online to get effective treatment and regain a healthy, satisfying sex life.