Dyspareunia, characterized by persistent pain during or after sexual intercourse, predominantly affects women and can significantly impact their physical, emotional, and relational well-being. This condition can originate from various causes, including physical factors like vaginal dryness, infections, or structural abnormalities, as well as psychological factors such as anxiety or past trauma. The prevalence of dyspareunia varies globally, affecting between 3% to 56.1% of women depending on the population studied.
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests like pelvic ultrasound or cultures for infections. Treatment options are tailored to the underlying cause and may include medications to address infections or hormonal imbalances, topical estrogen therapy to improve vaginal lubrication, or psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address emotional contributors. Lifestyle changes such as longer foreplay, using lubricants, or trying different sexual positions can also alleviate symptoms.
