Treatment options for dyspareunia vary depending on what the underlying cause is. Medications If medical conditions or infections are the contributing factors, then by treating the underlying cause your problem could be eliminated. Also, if you are on medication that is known to cause insufficient lubrication in women, changing these drugs could be the key to resolving your symptoms.  For most women who are postmenopausal, painful intercourse is often due to inadequate lubrication as a result of low estrogen levels. This is commonly treated using topical estrogen, which is directly applied to their vaginas Therapy In some scenarios, various types of therapy could be helpful. These include: Counseling or sex therapy If you have been suffering from painful sex for a long time, then it is highly likely that despite getting treated, you will still have negative emotional response towards sexual stimulation. Additionally, if you and your partner have been avoiding intimacy due to dyspareunia, then you’ll probably require help in improving your communication to successfully restore the sexual intimacy in your relationship. In such cases, seeing a sex therapist or a counselor could greatly assist in resolving these problems and improve your sex life. Desensitization therapy In this form of therapy, you are taught vaginal relaxation exercises which can substantially decrease pain during intercourse, by helping you to have better control of your vaginal muscles.

A medical evaluation for painful intercourse or dyspareunia will generally consist of:  A thorough medical history: In this case, your doctor will seek to find out when you began to feel pain, the exact location where it hurts, how it feels, and if it occurs with all your sexual partners, and in all the sexual positions that you have tried.  You may also have to provide information about your sexual history, previous childbirth experiences as well as surgical history.  It is paramount that you give candid answers, as these questions provide valuable clues as to what could be the cause of your dyspareunia. A pelvic exam: Your doctor may require doing a pelvic exam to check for check for signs of infections, skin irritations, and other anatomical problems that you may have. He or she may also apply gentle pressure on your pelvic muscles and genitals, to determine the actual location of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a visual exam of your vagina. This is done using a medical instrument called a speculum that separates the vaginal walls. For some women, pelvic exams may be uncomfortable even if the doctor is gentle. You can always ask the doctor to stop the exam if the pain becomes unbearable.

When pain during sex is recurrent or persistent, then you should see a doctor or visit the sexual health clinic. Let them assess your condition, to understand better what the underlying cause is and determine if treatment is required. Painful sex in men As aforementioned, pain during sex or dyspareunia is more prevalent in women. However, in some rare cases, it has been known to affect men as well.  Painful intercourse for men may be caused by: Infections such as thrush, which typically leads to soreness and itching. Some sexually transmitted infections like herpes are also known to cause this. Inflammation of the prostate gland; which is medically referred to as prostatitis, may also cause pain during sex for a man. Small tears in the foreskin that are normally not visible may cause men to feel sore as well as experience sharp, stinging pains around the tear during sex. Sometimes, the man may experience testicular swelling and pain when he is sexually aroused but does not ejaculate. If the man has physical abnormalities of the penis such as a tight foreskin, he is likely to feel pain during penetration. This is because his foreskin is pushed backward when he penetrates, thus causing him pain during intercourse.

Emotions are almost always attached to sexual activities. As such, they can play a significant role in painful sex. Some of these factors include: Stress When you are stressed out, your pelvic floor muscles normally tighten in response. As a result, you experience pain during intercourse. Psychological problems Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, fear of intimacy, concerns about your physical outlook, or relationship problems can reduce your level of arousal leading to discomfort or pain during sex. History of sexual abuse Most women who experience painful intercourse, don’t necessarily have a history of sexual abuse. However, if you have been abused in the past, this could be a contributing factor. Symptoms of Painful Sex For women, the pain can be felt at the vaginal opening, deep in their pelvis, or anywhere in between. If you are suffering from painful intercourse, you’ll probably feel:   The pain only at entry or sexual penetration.   Pain with every penetration, that is, even when putting a tampon in.   New pain after previously pain-free intercourse.   A burning or aching pain.   Deep pain during thrusting.   Throbbing pain, which could last for hours after sexual intercourse.

Pain during intercourse is medically referred to as dyspareunia. It is defined as recurrent or persistent pain that occurs before, during, or after vaginal intercourse. It is most common among women, but in some rare cases, it also affects men. Studies have shown that sexually inexperienced women, more so if their partners are also inexperienced, are at a higher risk of experiencing pain during intercourse. Perimenopausal and post-menopausal women are also at a higher risk of experiencing pain during sex. Causes of Painful Intercourse: There are many possible causes of pain during sex or dyspareunia. The pain could be due to physical causes or a variety of emotional factors. Physical Causes Physical causes tend to differ depending on whether pain occurs during penetration or with deep thrusting. Below are some of the physical causes: Vaginal Infections Vaginal infections are common conditions that include yeast infections, some sexually transmitted diseases , and urinary tract infections (UTIs). They normally cause itching and burning sensations in the vaginal area. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, then you are likely to feel pain while having sex. Several treatments are readily available for yeast infections and UTIs. Most sexually transmitted diseases can also be treated or are easily managed.