Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe painful sexual intercourse. According to the Merck Manual, this pain may be located superficially or deep within your tissues. Manifestations of dyspareunia include a burning or aching pain with penetration and deep pain with thrusting, says the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes you may experience this pain only with certain sexual partners. There are various ways to address dyspareunia.
Medicines
The Mayo Clinic says that estrogen therapy and lubricants can be used to manage dyspareunia. According to MedlinePlus, estradiol (form of estrogen) therapy is used to treat vaginal dryness, burning or the itching that occurs when you are post-menopausal. Estradiol therapy's side effects include discharge, redness, swelling and irritation at the vaginal application site. This is available as a cream or gel and should be applied as your doctor prescribes.
Lubricants are available at your local pharmacy. They make sexual intercourse more tolerable. The Mayo Clinic indicates that lubricants containing glycerin can lead to yeast infections.
Sexual Changes and Communication
The Mayo Clinic says that communicating with your sexual partner can aid in relieving your dyspareunia symptoms. You must tell your partner what causes your pain and avoid it. Simply changing sexual positions can also reduce your sexual intercourse pain. Also, the Mayo Clinic indicates that foreplay is necessary prior to sexual intercourse as this allows your body to naturally lubricate itself.
Other Treatments
The Merck Manual says that anti-inflammatory creams and anesthetics may help reduce dyspareunia. Other available treatments include taking small doses of antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications.
You should also avoid using soaps, bubble baths and tight jeans that may contribute in irritating your vagina. Sometimes, pelvic relaxation techniques such as kegel (pelvic exercises) may be beneficial as well. In some situations, talk therapy or sexual therapy is necessary to find the root cause if other medical conditions are not to blame.
