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As it is well known, during sexual intercourse, two sex organs are involved - the male's penis and the woman's vagina. The vagina, which is an external genital organ, is a tubular muscular structure about three inches long. It is capable of contraction and relaxation at will of the woman. At its entrance are two lips or labia, which close the entrance. In a young girl a delicate skin fold known as hymen is found in the vagina at its entrance. It may have a small hole. In women having normal sexual relation, the hymen is absent.
Causes of Dyspareunia
The pain of dyspareunia as suffered by a woman may have various causative factors. Most of them can be detected early and treated successfully resulting into a normal, enjoyable sexual intercourse. Certain congenital defects (defects that a person is born with) in vagina may obstruct the penetration of penis causing pain. The defects are easily detected and if needed surgically corrected.
The labia may be fused because of congenital anomaly or scarring following infection of labia. Surgical separation is possible in such a case.
Also, an intact hymen causing dyspareunia can be excised.
Infection of the vagina, also known as vaginitis is another common problem. Bacteria, protozoa or virus can cause the infection. There is soreness, itching and it is painful during sex. The male partner may complain of irritation and burning at the tip of his penis following the sexual act. Infection requires proper antibiotic treatment taken orally or applied locally in the vagina in the form of a
jelly.
A small tumor arising in the vagina can also cause pain. Such a tumor can easily be removed by surgery.
A condition known as endometriosis found internally near the uterus can cause pain at the thrust of penis in the vagina. A woman having this condition (endometriosis) may have painful periods, excessive periods, infertility, pain in the abdomen. Today endometriosis can easily be diagnosed and suitably treated.
Dyspareunia can be caused by dryness of vagina. The secretion that lubricates the vagina is under the influence of a female hormone - estrogen. In menopausal woman or where ovaries which produce the hormone are removed, dryness of vagina results. Replacement of estrogen by oral tablet or a skin patch and also use of lubricating jelly during sex will mitigate the dyspareunia.
The pain may be psychological also. The woman voluntarily or inadvertently contracts her vagina at the time of sex. The condition known as vaginismus requires proper understanding of the woman and explaining to her about her problem. Psychotherapy tremendously helps to relieve the condition.
A stitch in time saves nine. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of the problem of dyspareunia can result in a happy and blissful sexual life.
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