Dyspareunia Diagnosis

Dyspareunia

     * Introduction
     * Causes
     * Diagnosis
     * Treatment

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Diagnosis

Approximately 40% of women with dyspareunia who seek sexual advice actually suffer a condition that causes pain. A medical examination is therefore necessary to rule out possible physical causes of dispareuniei. This is performed a gynecological examination, ultrasound and other diagnostic tests. Among dispareuniei physical causes include infections, sexually transmitted disease, estrogen deficiency and vulvar vestibules.

After exclusion of all organic causes, a psychological evaluation is needed to identify possible psychosocial causes. Women who were past victims of sexual abuse in general suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.

Primary dyspareunia is usually associated with a strict religious education, with a childhood sexual abuse, fear of sex or a first painful experience. Secondary dyspareunia occurs after a period of normal sexual activity and is often the result of trauma.