Sexual Pain Disorders - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

One of the most common misconceptions is that sex is unpleasant and that bleeding during sexual activity is natural. Pain is sometimes considered enjoyable during sexual intercourse. When do you consider pain to be a sexual pain disorder? How can you tell if you have a sexual pain condition? When should you see a doctor about it? What therapy options are available? This article serves as a one-stop shop for information about sexual pain disorders.

What Are Sexual Pain Disorders?

Sexual pain disorders are a sub-category of sexual dysfunction disorders. Sexual dysfunction is a state where a person cannot engage in a sexual relationship in the way they desire. There are various physical, social, and psychological reasons for sexual dysfunction disorders.

What Are the Examples of Sexual Pain Disorders?

A sexual pain disorder is defined as any condition that causes pain during sexual activity.

The following are the most common sexual pain disorders:

• Dyspareunia (pain that lasts for days or weeks before or after a sexual encounter).

• Vaginismus (a syndrome in which muscular spasms prevent penetration).

• Vestibulodynia and vulvodynia (Even if there are no substantial or particular visual indications, there is pain around the vaginal area).

• Interstitial cystitis (a medical condition in which the patient feels an unpleasant sensation like pain, pressure, or discomfort that is thought to be associated with the urinary bladder).

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Pain Disorders?

The following are a few clinical signs and symptoms of sexual pain disorders:

• Dryness of the genital organ.

• Vaginal secretion causes a burning sensation.

• Vulvar discomfort, burns, and persistent pain.

• Intractable vaginal tract infections regularly.

• Going jitters over speculum examination.

• Painful sexual encounters.

• During intercourse, there is bleeding.

• Spasms in the pelvic floor.

• Sex drive has decreased.

• The genital region appears to be enlarged.

• Menstruation is excruciatingly painful.

• Bleeding between menstrual periods.

• Vaginal spasms that occur without warning.

• Low levels of physical and emotional fulfillment.

• Depression.

• Self-esteem issues.

• Anxiety about a sexual relationship has increased.

What Are the Causes of Sexual Pain Disorders?

Physical and emotional factors can contribute to sexual pain disorders:

Physical Causes:

These include altering the genital tissue or organ due to material changes. Here are a few examples:

• Involuntary muscular spasms in the lower region of the vaginal canal induce conditioned pain.

• Infection with yeast or bacteria.

• Clothing, douching, or spermicide can cause a chemical or allergic reaction.

• Menopause, andropause, postpartum, and breastfeeding are linked to decreased estrogen levels.

• Sexual arousal syndrome (SAS) is when a person's arousal mechanism and the sexual cycle are altered.

• Certain medications, such as antihypertensive and antidepressant drugs, can cause discomfort when used.

• Vessel stenosis narrowing of a blood vessel (Narrowing down the genital area is usually seen in conjunction with menopause and surgery).

• Cystocele or rectocele is present.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition in which the lining of the uterus or any other part involving the female reproductive tract is infected.

• Endometriosis.

• Irritable bowel syndrome is a type of significant intestine infection.

• Scarring from vaginal surgery or childbirth.

• After an extended period, sexual intercourse with a fresh partner.

• Fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by a loss of muscle and tendon flexibility. It primarily affects the entire vaginal muscle mass, resulting in pain during intercourse).

• Paraphimosis and phimosis (a penile foreskin disorder).

• Prostatitis.

• Peyronie's disease (a noncancerous condition characterized by twisted, unpleasant erections caused by fibrous scar tissue on the penis).

• Testicular carcinoma is a malignancy of the testicles (Cancer of the testicles or testes).

Emotional Causes:

• An unpleasant experience such as a history of past sexual abuse, a painful coital examination, or any bad experiences can lead to fear of sex.

• Unexpressed negative feelings towards the partner.

• Religious orthodoxy.

• Pain and tension cycle where there is tension buildup due to painful sexual intercourse and vice versa.

What Is the Treatment for Sexual Pain Disorders?

The most effective strategy to treat sexual pain issues is to address the source of the pain:

• Antibiotics are used to alleviate pain caused by a genital tract infection.

• Water-based vaginal lubricants and more foreplay relieve pain caused by vaginal dryness.

• Endometriosis pain necessitates the removal of the growth.

• Pain from a laceration or physical damage is treated with a topical anesthetic gel or allowed to heal independently.

• Menopause-related pain is managed with hormone replacement therapy, which can take the form of pills, an intradermal patch, or a vaginal ring.

• Pain from labor can be avoided by doing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and abstaining from sex for six weeks after giving birth.

• A clitoris dilator can help with pain caused by vaginismus.

Pain caused by psychosocial issues such as sadness or anxiety is treated with a psychosexual examination. The primary goal is to disrupt the pain-tension cycle by substituting pleasure for agony and tension for excitement. The following is a treatment plan that should be followed in order.

• It is essential to look at the history of psychological causes.

• Any traumatic childhood memories and the feelings associated with them should be alleviated when recalled.

• Foreplay is the key. It is vital to remember that stimulation causes the vagina to lengthen by 50 %.

• The anatomy of the reproductive organs is explained. It is also crucial to emphasize that involuntary spasms are caused by dread and unpleasant ideas about sex, not by anything else.

When Should One See a Doctor for Sexual Pain Disorders?

One should seek medical help if:

• During every intercourse, there is bleeding.

• If discomfort occurs throughout each intercourse.

• If the sexual problems are interfering with the relationship.

• If spasms occur unexpectedly.

Conclusion

Sexual pain issues are frequent, yet they go untreated because individuals prefer to believe in myths over reality. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable rather than unpleasant. It is not acceptable to be in discomfort during sex. The experienced pain can be the outcome of possible underlying conditions. If left untreated, this could become chronic; therefore, it is critical to address discomfort as soon as feasible.