Category: Glossary

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:

1. Vaginal dryness (due to childbirth or menopause) 
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
4. Endometriosis 
5. Skin infections or disorders (ulcers, broken skin, itching) 
6. Cystitis 
7. Cancer treatments (chemotherapy) 
8. Stress 
9. Some medications such as contraceptives

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium.

Neuropathic pain is usually described as a burning sensation and affected areas are often sensitive to the touch. Neuropathic pain can happen if your nervous system is damaged or not working correctly.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus (womb), and bowel, these muscles help you to control bladder and bowel function.

Primary vaginismus occurs when penetrative sex or other vaginal penetration cannot be experienced without pain.

Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. 

Some common causes of secondary vaginismus can include: 

1. yeast infection 
2. trauma during childbirth
3. psychological causes
4. menopause
5. rape or sexual assault  
6. previous experience with uncomfortable intercourse

Vaginal dilators are used to restore vaginal capacity, to expand the vagina in width and depth, to provide elasticity to the tissues, and to allow for comfortable sexual activity. Vaginal dilators are smooth plastic, rubber, or glass cylinder-shaped objects that come in a variety of graduated sizes and weights.

Vaginismus is a recurrent or persistent involuntary vaginal muscle spasm causing vaginal discomfort, burning sensation, and pain. The involuntary muscle spasms prevent vaginal penetration, which often results in a complete inability to have penetrative sex.

Vaginitis, also known as vulvovaginitis, is inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Symptoms may include itching, burning, pain, discharge, and a bad smell.

Vaginismus is often confused with other painful disorders in the vulvar area, such as the more commonly diagnosed vulvodynia, in which pain is often brought on by underwear or clothing rubbing against the vulva, and could be intensified during sexual activity.