Dyspareunia - Pain during Sex

Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful sex and involves the experience of pain with sexual intercourse. It is defined as pain in the genitals leading up to, during, or immediately following sex. The condition can affect both men and women, and are more common in women.
The causes of pain include sexually transmitted disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, some forms of cancer sensitivity in the vaginal tissue due to hormone changes, and muscular spasms in the pelvic floor muscles referred to as vaginismus. As you can imagine, all of which can affect your overall sexual health.

If you experience pain with sex a visit to your doctor or nurse practitioner is in order. It is important to screen for potentially life-threatening conditions such as cancer or sexually transmitted infections and disease.
If initially testing comes back negative for disease or infection, then pain is most likely associated with sensitivity in the vagina or muscle spasms of the pelvic floor. The good news is that both of these conditions are treatable and it is possible to have pain free sex with the help of a pelvic physical therapist and potentially a sexual counselor.
Women who experience sensitivity of the vagina and vaginal opening often have hormone disturbances leading to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. This often occurs after childbirth, during the period of breast feeding, and surrounding menopause.
A physician may recommend hormone replacements, dietary changes, and use of a good water based personal lubricant to protect the vulva, vaginal opening, and vagina itself.
Vaginal balm may also be beneficial to soothe irritated, red, or itchy skin in the vulva region and vaginal opening. Naturally made products such as Intimate Rose's Organic Feminine Balm help to reduce irritation and soothe dry, itchy, red, or irritated skin around the vaginal opening due to changes in hormone changes, skin sensitivity, shaving, waxing, or tenderness after sex.