Female dyspareunia (pronounced dis-par-you-nee-a)

Dyspareunia is defined before, during or after sexual intercourse ‘painful sex’

Pain can be experienced as superficial or deep.

How common is dysparenuia in women

It is difficult to estimate how common dysparuenia is in women but most women will probably experience dyspareunia at some stages in their sexual life.

What are the causes of dyspareunia in women?

Causes in women may include:

• Vaginal or bladder infections


• Endometriosis
• Incomplete rupture of the hymen
• Lack of lubrication (can be due to lack of sexual arousal, anxiety, stress, lack of oestrogen
(especially in post-menopausal women)
• Vestibulitis (This is a condition where the women can experience vaginal burning, itching and soreness particularly during sex).
• Unknown causes: In some cases of dyspareunia, no observable medical cause can be found.


• Psychological causes: In a number of cases, the cause of the dyspareunia is felt to be of a psychological origin.

Assessment of dyspareunia

It is important that women are investigated medically to assess the cause of their pain.

Treatment of dyspareunia

It is important to visit your GP or seek the help of a Sex & Relationship Therapist to find out the cause of the dyspareunia so that the most appropriate treatment can be implemented:

Infections will need to be treated with relevant medications/creams etc.

If there is lack of lubrication during sex, it is important to assess whether this is as a result of anxiety, fear or stress.

If it is caused by a lack of oestrogen, this can dealt with using an oestrogen supplement.

If there is anxiety or fear etc around sex, therapy with a qualified Sex & Relationship Therapist will help to address the possible causes of this and help facilitate solutions.

If you have any questions on Dyspareunia or wish to make an appointment, please contact Tony Duffy