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Sexual Intercourse - Painful
Alternate Names : Dyspareunia, Painful Sexual Intercourse
Definition
For both men and women, pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sexual activity -- for example, at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation. Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity.
The medical term for this is dyspareunia.
Pictures & Images
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Common Causes
- Intercourse too soon after surgery or child birth
- Vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication (for example, from insufficient foreplay)
- Menopause (vaginal lining loses its normal moisture and becomes dry)
- Vaginal infection
- Prostatitis -- inflammation of the prostate
- Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products
- Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Endometriosis
- Vaginismus -- involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles; this may be a result of ongoing painful intercourse as well as a cause
- Misfit diaphragm or reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom
- History of sexual abuse or rape
- Hemorrhoids
- Certain medications
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• Definition
• Common Causes
• Home Care & Treatment
• Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
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Review Date : 10/6/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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