Pain during or after sexual intercourse is known as dyspareunia or in other words painful sexual intercourse for women is called Dyspareunia. Dyspareunia is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms of Women with dyspareunia:-

Women may have pain in the vagina, clitoris or labia. There are several causes of dyspareunia, many of which are treatable. Some conditions affect the skin around the vagina while Some women may have a viral infection or vaginal yeast infections, but sometimes the cause is unknown.

Few causes of Dyspareunia:-

• Dryness in the Vagina This dryness may be caused by menopause and changes in estrogen levels, or from inadequate sexual arousal.
• sometimes clothing, spermicides or douches may cause some allergy
• Thinning of the vaginal lining in postmenopausal women caused by Atrophic vaginitis.
• uterine contractions can also be one of the cause for dyspareunia.
• Due to Endometriosis:- Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue from the uterine lining migrates and grows abnormally inside the pelvis .
• Side effects of few drugs such as antihistamines and tamoxifen
• Sometimes vaginal area is affected by few skin diseases like lichen planus and lichen sclerosis
• Irritation from feminine sprays products, douches, and contraceptive devices such as condoms, diaphragms...etc. can also be the cause for Dyspareunia.
• Dyspareunia can also occur due to few vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Inadequate sexual arousal can also be the cause of dyspareunia. But this situation can be resolved through adequate lubrication, increased foreplay; and counseling, if necessary. Lubricants which are water-soluble should be used.
• Inflammation of vulvar vestibulitis it is the area which surrounds the vaginal opening
• Dyspareunia can be the cause of some psychological or physical factors. Some of the possible psychological factors are developmental issues, traumatic experiences, and relationship concerns.

Vaginismus:-
Vaginismus is a condition where some women experience severe tightening of the vaginal muscles during penetration or deeper pain during penetration or thrusting of the penis. Spasm of the muscles around the vagina is Vaginismus. Sometimes the ache of the spasms is so rigorous that penile penetration is impossible.

Diagnose of dyspareunia:-

Cotton-tipped swab is applied to the area to see if the area around the vagina is painful. A mild test of the vagina and cervix is done with a speculum, similar to Pap smear. This test may also be painful in many women. If you feel pain the doctor may use a smaller speculum to decrease the discomfort. Or may holdup the test until the pain suppresses.
It is always better to talk to your doctor before he takes test so that he can stop the test if it is causing too much pain. Finally doctor will feel your uterus and ovaries with one hand on the abdomen and one finger in your vagina. This is similar to exams performed during a pelvic exam.
If your symptoms and test put forward an infection, tests would be done done to look for yeast or bacteria. If there is no infection, your doctor may do some other tests, such as urine or allergy tests.

Prevention for dyspareunia

1. Use of lubricant should be must if you have dryness in vagina.
2. One should avoid wearing tight clothes, should wear cotton underpants and practice good hygiene. Should change your underclothes after prolonged sweating.
3. You should have your bath daily, and should not forget to wear dry clothes without delay after swimming this would decrease your risk of yeast infection.
4. You should wipe from front to back after using the toilet, and should urinate after sexual intercourse to avoid bladder infections.
5. Should use condoms to shield against sexually transmitted diseases and should always practice safe sex by maintaining a relationship with just one person
6. Avoid very deep penetration if you have endometriosis and should have sex during the week or two after menstruation i.e. before ovulation period (when the condition tends to be less painful)