Dyspareunia Specialist

What is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent genital pain that strikes just before, during, or after intercourse. You may have a structural problem in your vagina or suffer from emotional issues.

For treatment that focuses on the cause rather than the symptom, trust Dr. Bekker or Dr. Akselrod to help you begin enjoying intercourse again.

What are the symptoms of dyspareunia?

The obvious symptom of dyspareunia is pain during sexual intercourse. The pain is further defined by when it occurs during intercourse. Some symptoms you might experience are:

• Pain only during penetration
• Deep pain with thrusting
• Burning or aching pain
• Throbbing pain that last hours after intercourse

You may also have pain when inserting a tampon. If you feel pain on a regular basis, speak with the team at Advanced Gynecology & Surgery about relieving your symptoms.

What causes dyspareunia?

Painful sexual intercourse manifests for both physical and emotional reasons. Dr. Bekker and Dr. Akselrod give you a physical exam and ask questions about your sexual habits and find the cause of your symptoms.

Physical causes of dyspareunia include:

• Not enough lubrication
• Injury or trauma
• Infection or skin disorder
• Structural abnormality

Emotional factors causing dyspareunia are:

• Stress
• Depression
• Insecurity of body image
• History of sexual abuse

Speak freely with Dr. Bekker or Dr. Akselrod about any concerns you have about the causes of your dyspareunia. Together you develop a treatment plan that works for you.

How is dyspareunia treated?

The Advanced Gynecology & Surgery team conducts a physical exam and a thorough medical history. They gather information and make a diagnosis for treatment. Treatment options vary as much as the causes of painful sexual intercourse.

Treatment options include finding medications that won’t contribute to vaginal dryness and using a topical cream on the vagina. Drs. Akselrod and Bekker recommend counseling or sex therapy for improved response to your partner.

The team may also suggest changes in your lifestyle like trying a new position during intercourse, using personal, over-the-counter lubricants, and longer sessions of foreplay as a treatment for dyspareunia.

At Advanced Gynecology & Surgery, the doctors want you to enjoy sexual intercourse. Schedule an appointment with caring professionals or book your appointment online and be on your way to a happier sex life.