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Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia, defined as persistent pain during or after sexual intercourse, is a multifactorial cpndition. The causes of dyspareunia can be broadly categorized into physical, psychological, and situational factors, each contributing to the patient's experience of pain.


Category Cause Description
Physical Causes Endometriosis Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus causing pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and deep dyspareunia.
Vulvodynia and Vestibulodynia Chronic pain conditions affecting the vulvar area Chronic pain or discomfort of the vulvar area leading to superficial dyspareunia.
Vaginal Atrophy Thinning of the vaginal walls due to decreased estrogen levels Thinning and drying of the vaginal walls due to decreased estrogen levels, common in postmenopausal women, causing pain during intercourse.
Infections Includes vaginitis, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and STIs like herpes, causing inflammation and pain during intercourse.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Hypertonic pelvic floor muscles leading to pain during penetration due to muscle spasms or tightness.
Skin Disorders Conditions such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and psoriasis causing vulvar inflammation and discomfort during sex.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Infection of the upper genital tract causing deep pelvic pain and dyspareunia.
Psychological Factors Emotional Distress Stress, anxiety, and depression increasing muscle tension and pain perception...

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