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Alternative names Return to top
Painful sexual intercourse; DyspareuniaDefinition Return to top
For both men and women, pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sex -- for example, at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation. Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity.
The medical term for this is dyspareunia.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
For painful intercourse in women after pregnancy:
For vaginal dryness/inadequate lubrication:
For painful intercourse caused by prostatitis:
For hemorrhoids, try stool softeners. Antibiotics may be required for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or vaginal infections.
Other causes of painful intercourse may require prescription medications or, rarely, surgery.
Sex therapy may be helpful, especially if no underlying medical cause is identified. Guilt, inner conflict, or unresolved feelings about past abuse may be involved which need to be worked through in therapy. It may be best for your partner to see the therapist with you.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
If you are a victim of a sexual assualt, report the crime to the police and go to the emergency room immediately. Get a trusted friend to accompany you. DO NOT change, bathe, shower or even wash your hands before the ER evaluation. The temptation to do so will be great, but it is important to not lose any evidence in order to help find, charge, and convict the perpetrator.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
It may be best to see the doctor together with your partner. Physical examination may include a pelvic examination (for women), a prostate examination (for men), and a rectal examination. If a physical problem is suspected, appropriate tests will be ordered.
Antibiotics, painkillers, or hormones are amongst the treatment options that may be considered.
Prevention Return to top
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |