Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is the clinical name for painful intercourse. The pain can be felt as burning, sharp, searing or cramping. It can be external, within the vagina, or deep in the pelvic region or abdomen. Also men can get it. Typically, the pain is felt in the penis but it can also be felt in the testes or internally, where it is often associated with a problem of the prostate or seminal vesicles.

(1) Causes
The causes of Dyspareunia, as with most sexual dysfunction, can be classified as either physical or psychical. The cause of a sexual dysfunction in a given person may be a combination of several factors, and in some cases, the precise cause may not be identifiable at all.

Physical causes can be:
• disorders such as diabetes, vaginal infections, and estrogen deficiencies
• drugs that have a drying effect
• blisters, rashes and inflammation around the vaginal opening or the vulva
• irritation or infection of the clitoris
• disorders of the urethra or anus
• pelvic disorders such as infection, tumors, abnormalities of the cervix or uterus, and torn ligaments around the uterus

Psychosocial causes of Dyspareunia may be as frequent and varied as organic ones. It is usually much more difficult to develop a clear understanding of how psychosocial factors contribute to sexual dysfunction, including Dyspareunia.

(2) Treatment
Dyspareunia can usually be treated once the probable causes have been identified. Organic diseases can typically be addressed after a thorough gynecological or medical examination, and psychotherapy can usually help with any psychosocial factors.

Antibiotics help to heal vaginal or urinary tract infections due to yeast, bacteria or parasites.

Hormone replacement therapy can help to alleviate the vaginal dryness, thinning and urinary urgency. A vaginal estradiol ring (Estring) that delivers low-dose estrogen is an increasingly popular alternative to oral or transdermal estrogen.

Vaginal dryness is also one of the most common menopause symptoms and can be cured with a natural hormone treatments without side effects instead of risky hormone replacement therapy.