Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia[edit | edit source]
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Definition[edit | edit source]
Dyspareunia is defined as persistent genital pain that occurs during sexual intercourse.[1]
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Subjective History
Symptoms
Individuals may present with pain that occurs at entry during penetration, with deep penetration or lasting post-penetration. Pain associated with the insertion of a tampon could also be another subjective report. Words used to describe pain may be (but are not limited to): "throbbing" "burning" or "aching."
Casuses
Pain that occurs at entry during penetration can be due to:
- vestibulodynia
Pain during deep penetration can be due to:
- endometriosis
-
Objective Assessment
A pelvic assessment, including an internal exam, performed by a trained medical professional with the informed consent of the patient.
Management / Interventions[edit | edit source]
Medical management
Ensure that the patient has been screened by a physician to rule out any differential diagnoses.
Physiotherapy
If pelvic floor muscle tension is an issue, then teaching the patient how to
Additional Considerations:
- If this has become a chronic issue, addressing principles of centralized pain and explaining this to the patient can be helpful and informative.
- The use of a multidisciplinary approach with the inclusion of a physician and a counselling therapist could also beneficial.
Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
- skin irritation (ie. eczema or other skin problems in the genital region)[1]
- interstitial cystitis
- fibromyalgia
- irritable bowel syndrome
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967
