Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful intercourse. It can occur before, during, or after intercourse and can expand from mild discomfort to significant pain. For middle aged women, the most common cause is vaginal dryness and tissue changes from decreasing estrogen, but it can also be caused by muscle tension, infections, or other conditions.

Painful intercourse is not something that should be pushed through or accepted as inevitable. It is a genuine physical symptom with detectable causes and effective treatment options. Local estrogen therapy addresses the tissue changes that cause most menopausal dyspareunia. Pelvic floor physical therapy can also be helpful, especially when muscle tension is involved. If intercourse has become painful, it is worth discussing with a provider who specializes in this area.