'Anxiety about painful sex can then result in a reduction in feeling aroused, which means that women can be less lubricated, which makes sex more painful, which then lowers your libido, because how can you look forward to something that is uncomfortable?' Think of sexual pain like any other painįor those experiencing pain during sex, it can be a distressing process, which reverberates through other areas of their lives, including personal relationships and mental health. 'There's a huge psychological impact and unfortunately, that psychological impact can then self-perpetuate the discomfort and the pain,' says Dr Nanayakkara. Doctors are able to rule it in or out by using a cotton bud to 'touch the area around the entrance to the vagina' to determine if it feels painful or tender, Dr Elias says.įor those that have experienced painful sex in the past, this anxiety around intercourse or penetration can create a vicious cycle. While there is no direct cause for the condition, research has pointed to possible contributing factors like chronic yeast infections injury or tissue damage from childbirth laser treatment or surgery sexual abuse and skin conditions, particularly allergic reactions to different soaps and sanitary products.ĭiagnosing the condition is 'actually quite easy' if you know what you're looking for. It's estimated that around 15 per cent of women will experience the condition in their lifetime, and it can make things like sex, inserting a tampon, wiping the vulva with toilet paper and sitting down for prolonged periods difficult.

Vulvodynia is a complex pain syndrome, characterised by burning and discomfort in the vulva - which includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and the opening to the urethra - that can't be linked to a specific cause and lasts at least three months. The causes of dyspareunia are vast and varied, but Dr Elias believes it's important women are aware of two common conditions that can be overlooked by doctors and patients: vulvodynia and vaginismus. Too many people are 'slipping through the cracks' 'There is not enough knowledge and understanding and discussion about women's sexuality, and especially the importance of pleasure and enjoyment,' Dr Elias says.

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