Service
Painful Intercourse Specialists
Causes of Painful Intercourse
Pain during sexual intercourse can be due to a range of issues, including emotional issues or relationship problems. It may also be a warning sign of an underlying gynecologic condition, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.
Here are some other gynecologic issues that may cause painful sex:
Vulvodynia
This is a pain disorder that affects the vulva, your external genitals. Treatments include self-care, medication, or surgery if other methods fail to help.
Hormonal changes
Lower estrogen levels during menopause may cause vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy can address this issue.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a vaginal inflammation that causes discharge, itching, and burning. It may be due to a bacterial or yeast infection.
Childbirth
Trauma during childbirth, either from a tear in the perineum or an episiotomy, may make sex painful. The pain may linger for several months after delivery.
Skin disorders
Some skin disorders, such as contact dermatitis, affect the skin of your vulva. It can cause painful cracks or ulcers.
How do I find out the reason for painful intercourse?
Your practitioner diagnoses your condition by taking a thorough medical history and asking about your symptoms. They’ll ask whether you have a medical condition, because diabetes, thyroid conditions, and other health issues can affect your sexual desire. Certain medications affect sexual response, so your practitioner asks about any medicines you regularly take.
Next, they perform a physical exam. In some cases, they suggest a pelvic exam or ultrasound to search for additional clues about the source of the pain. Ultrasound services are conveniently available onsite at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology.
What are the treatments for painful intercourse?
You can expect your practitioner at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology to personalize your treatment based on your diagnosis. For example, if the painful sex is due to menopausal changes, you may benefit from hormone therapy. Hormone therapy helps to rebalance your estrogen levels, potentially addressing vaginal dryness and other sources of discomfort.
If endometriosis is the source of your discomfort, your practitioner may suggest laparoscopy to remove the endometrial growths. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where your practitioner uses a viewing scope and small surgical instruments to perform your treatment.
Get the personalized, compassionate care you deserve. Call Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology to discuss painful intercourse or request your consultation online today.