Intercourse, painful

Pain during sexual intercourse, known medically as dyspareunia, which can affect both men and women. Pain may be superficial (around the external genitals) or deep (within the pelvis).

In men, superficial pain may be due to anatomical abnormalities such as chordee (bowed erection) or phimosis (tight foreskin). prostatitis may cause a widespread pelvic ache, a burning sensation in the penis, or pain on ejaculation.

Scarring (after childbirth, for example) and lack of vaginal lubrication, especially after the menopause, may cause painful intercourse in women. psychosexual dysfunction may also cause pain during intercourse. vaginismus, a condition in which the muscles of the vagina go into spasm, is usually psychological in origin. Deep pain is frequently caused by pelvic disorders (such as fibroid, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease due to sexually transmitted infections), disorders of the ovary (such as ovarian cyst), and disorders of the cervix. Other causes are cystitis and urinary tract infection.

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the pain. If the discomfort is psychological in origin, special counselling may be needed (see sex therapy).

BMA llustrated Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2007 Dorling Kindersley