Dyspareunia (pronounced: dis-pahr-OON-eeuh) is the medical term for painful sexual intercourse.
This pain can happen before, during, or after sex, depending on its cause.
Overview
What Is Dyspareunia?
A dyspareunia (painful sex) diagnosis may involve any or all of these symptoms.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
[8]
How Is Dyspareunia Diagnosed?
[9]
Medical HistoryFirst, your provider may ask when and where you feel pain.
They may want to know if sexual pain happens with some partners and positions but not others.
Pelvic ExamTo rule out some medical causes of dyspareunia, your provider may do a pelvic exam.
During this exam, your provider may observe your genitals and may also look inside your vagina.
They may have a go at find the painful areas by pushing gently and asking for feedback.
In that case, they might recommend a minimally invasive surgery to investigate.
Remember: They have heard it all.
And the more they know, the better they can direct your care.
She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
She is currently working on her PhD in medical sociology.
She is a married mother of four and loves the circus that is her home!
She has family all over the world, and loves to travel as much as possible.
McCoy has written for publications like Remedy Health Media, Sleepopolis, and Expectful.
She is passionate about health education and loves using her experience and knowledge in her writing.
