Sexual Pain Disorder - Can Stress and Anxiety Cause It?

Physical pain that is experienced during and after intercourse is termed as dyspareunia. This condition can be found in both, men and women. Vaginismus is also a part of this group of disorders. This condition leads to the contraction of the vagina during intercourse, which blocks the insertion of the penis and leads to pain in the pelvic area. Here is a list of details for more information on sexual pain disorders.

Causes: Sores and growths may cause pain. Many times, we often overlook this area of the body and do not realise that the pain in this area may be due to herpes sores or other kinds of growths that will need to be checked by the doctor or gynaecologist on an immediate basis before it becomes a serious problem. This is one of the primary causes of sexual pain disorders. Other causes include the presence of an infection or STD (sexually transmitted disease), haemorrhoids, bladder infections or genitourinary infections and other such ailments. Further, vulvar vestibules may also give rise to pain during sex. This refers to the inflammation of the vagina’s vestibule which lies at the perineum, between the labia minora and the uretha. Also, having sex soon after a surgical procedure or delivery, as well as an impatient and aggressive lover may all lead to this condition. Stress and anxiety along with relationship troubles are said to contribute to 75% of the cases suffering from these disorders.

Symptoms: The main symptom of this ailment includes dryness of the vagina, which can be caused due to the medication one takes during menopause. Also, men may experience pain during ejaculation and urethritis which can also be linked with a recent reduction in one’s sexual activity, as well. Difficulty and pain during penetration for intercourse can also cause pain in the vagina when the patient is suffering from sexual pain disorders.

Treatment for Women: The main form of treatment for women will depend on the cause of the pain. The gynaecologist or sexologist may prescribe lubricants and oestrogen based creams. Also, for women who are suffering from related conditions like endometriosis, the doctor may recommend surgery, which may also help in treating vulvar vestibules.

Treatment for Men: Penile skin infections can be treated with the help of oral antibiotics while sitz baths can be used by those suffering from prostatitis, which can cause pain during intercourse. Sex therapy and couples counselling can help in overcoming any psychological conditions due to which sexual pain disorders may be born. It is important to remember that a stress free environment, ample lubrication and gentle movements can go a long way in fixing this problem too. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.