Dyspareunia is the term for recurring pain in the genital area or within the pelvis during sexual intercourse. The pain can be sharp or intense. It can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.
Dyspareunia and vaginismus are often incorrectly used interchangeably. To be clear, vaginismus (muscle tightening or spasming) causes dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).
Some common causes of dyspareunia:
- Vaginal dryness (due to childbirth or menopause)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Skin infections or disorders (ulcers, broken skin, itching)
- Cystitis
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy)
- Stress
- Some medications such as contraceptives