Sexual Dysfunction

Dyspareunia (dis-pa-roon-ia) is the medical term for pain during intercourse. Pain during intercourse can be caused by a wide variety of reasons.

Some 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 uterus during sex, a 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.
• Pelvic floor muscle spasms are involuntary muscle spasms and can result in painful and uncomfortable sex.
• Emotional issues – Sometimes, past issues such as sexual abuse or communication problems in a relationship can translate into dyspareunia.

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