Dyspareunia is medically defined as painful intercourse that involves the persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs before, during, or after sex. It can occur for a number of reasons, either physical or psychological, and many women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. Dyspareunia can be an overwhelming condition to deal with for many women after a certain age, especially after their 50s.
Dyspareunia can include many symptoms, such as the following:
1. Physical symptoms
Dyspareunia in menopause is primarily associated with pain and a sharp burning sensation during intromission. Also, the pain can transform into deep throbbing pain, which can be extremely uncomfortable. It further leads to muscle spasms, pelvic cramps, and muscle tightness. There could be primary and secondary pain symptoms during intercourse. Also, one could go through severe pain during the entire period of intercourse.
The pain could last for a few minutes or an entire moment. With new pain arising, one could also experience bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and rectal pain post intercourse.
2. Psychological symptoms
Sometimes, the cause of pain could be psychological and nothing to do with physical factors. Anxiety and depression are some other symptoms of the condition. There could also be secondary symptoms, such as mood swings, fear, hostility, and aversions to sexuality. Also, one could go through extreme signs of fatigue and tiredness. Fever and chills can lead to sleep disturbances in case a symptom of dyspareunia arises.
3. Deep dyspareunia
There could also be symptoms of vaginismus, wherein the vaginal muscles are extremely tightened. As the pain takes over, one could also face hot flashes and periods of vaginal dryness. In the case of deep dyspareunia, the symptoms would be thrusting pain, which could result in pelvic diseases or ovarian cysts.
4. Urinary tract infections
One could also face additional symptoms such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, skin issues, and chronic pain syndrome. There could be abdominal pain and tenderness associated with dyspareunia in menopause. In case of extreme bleeding, one must consider medical help.
No matter how the symptoms take form, treatment is essential to keep the private organs safe.