| Pelvic pain
Many women have pain in their pelvic
region at some point in their lives. Each
woman responds to pain in her own way.
Some women are bothered by pain more than
others. You should discuss any pain with
your doctor, especially if: it disrupts
your daily life, if it worsens over time,
or if you've noticed a recent increase
in pain.
If interested in learning more call Dr. Marcovici at 860-409-1930 for
an appointment!!!
Dyspareunia (dis-pa-roon-ia) is the medical term for pain during intercourse.
You may hear your doctor use this word or see it in other written material.
Pain during intercourse can be caused by a wide variety of reasons.
Examples include an allergic reaction to a personal hygiene product
or hormonal changes related to aging. Sometimes, emotional issues may
also play a role.
The Causes of Pain During Intercourse Include:
• Tipped or retroverted uterus - Some women with a tipped uterus
experience pain during intercourse. This happens when the penis hits
the cervix or uterus during sex. This condition is known as collision
dyspareunia.
• Endometriosis – The tissue lining the uterus – the
endometrium - may grow outside the uterus causing deep pain during sex.
• Infection – Bacterial or yeast infections are among the
most common causes of pain during intercourse.
• Lack of estrogen – During menopause, the vaginal walls
thin and the amount of vaginal lubrication decreases.
• Vulvodynia – In this condition, the vulva is hypersensitive
and extremely tender on touch.
• Drug side effects – Common drugs including those for allergy,
high blood pressure or depression may affect the amount of vaginal lubrication,
as well as the level of sexual arousal and desire.
• Physical problems – Scar tissue from abdominal surgery
or from delivering a baby can distort the anatomy and cause significant
pain during intercourse. A cyst on an ovary can also cause pain.
• Musculo-Skeletal Pain Pelvic Floor – Pelvic floor muscle
spasms are involuntary muscle spasms and of the can result in difficult
and uncomfortable sex.
• Emotional issues – Sometimes, past issues such as sexual
abuse or communication problems in a relationship can translate into
dyspareunia.
Vestibular pain is another condition
that can give pain with intercourse in
women with inflammation of the vulvar/vestibular
area.
The vulvar vestibule is the area just outside the hymeneal ring. Pain
occurs with sexual intercourse, or even inserting tampons. There is
distinct tenderness and at times, erythema in the vestibule. In some
cases, intercourse is impossible due to the severe pain. Typically,
women with vestibular pain present with a varying duration of symptoms,
from weeks to several years. Symptoms often begin after experiencing
some type of infection or trauma followed by difficulty with intercourse.
Women with severe symptoms may also feel this sensation when riding
a bicycle, horseback riding or jogging. There is a mixed variety of
pain where some patients experience these symptoms while sitting, walking
or even without any movement.
An initial treatment is to direct the patient in vulvar care. The vulva
should be kept dry. Cotton underwear is
recommended. No underwear should be worn
at night. Vulvar irritants should be avoided.
The patient should use mild soaps for
bathing and consider no soap application
to the vulva. If menstrual pads are irritating,
100% cotton pads may be helpful. Adequate
lubrication for intercourse is recommended.
If the pain persists then, speak with
the doctor.
If interested in learning more call Dr. Marcovici at 860-409-1930 for
an appointment!!!
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