Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia means that the coital act is difficult and or painful. Additionally, Apareunia is inability to practice coitus.

OVERVIEW

The two are most often interchangeable.

In general, Dyspareunia is the most common sexual dysfunction.

CAUSES

Male causes:

The following male factors are responsible i.e.:

Impotence
Premature ejaculation
Congenital anatomic defect of the penis
Lack of technique of coital act

Female causes:

Depending upon the site of pain, the dyspareunia may either i.e.:

Either Superficial or entrance
Vaginal
Deep

Superficial: In detail, Any lesion of the lower part of the labia minora or around the fourchette may be responsible

Vaginal: Burning pain along the barrel of vagina either during or following intercourse is the presenting complaint.

Common causes of Dyspareunia are i.e.:

Vaginitis
Vaginal septum
Tender scar—following gynecologic either operation or delivery
Secondary vaginal atresia
Tumor
Vaginal atrophy

Deep: The patient experiences pain while the penis penetrates deep into the vagina. As the vagina is insensitive to pain, deep dyspareunia usually results from pathology of paravaginal tissues or other pelvic organs.

Such lesions are:

Endometriosis, especially on rectovaginal septum
Chronic cervicitis
Chronic PID
Retroverted uterus — mostly acquired also fixed
Prolapsed ovary in the pouch of Douglas.

Pain only at sexual entry (in other words; penetration)
Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon.
Deep pain during thrusting.
Either Burning pain or aching pain.
Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse

TYPES

Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, can be categorized into two main types:

Primary Dyspareunia: Pain that occurs from the first experience of sexual intercourse. It is often due to physical issues such as vaginal infections, dryness, or anatomical conditions (e.g., vaginal septum, tight pelvic muscles).
Secondary Dyspareunia: Pain that develops after a period of pain-free intercourse. It may result from factors like hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), pelvic infections, endometriosis, or vaginal atrophy.

Dyspareunia can also be categorized based on pain location:

Superficial Dyspareunia: Pain at the entrance of the vagina or external genitalia.
Deep Dyspareunia: Pain deeper inside the pelvic region, often linked to conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and should be tailored to individual needs.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Pain only at sexual entry (in other words; penetration)
Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon.
Deep pain during thrusting.
Either Burning pain or aching pain.
Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse

WHAT TO EAT

Here’s what to eat for dyspareunia (painful intercourse), described point-wise:

Hydrating Fluids: Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration, which can support vaginal health and reduce dryness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Vitamin E-rich Foods: Eat foods like almonds, spinach, and avocados, which can promote tissue health and improve moisture levels.
Vitamin C-rich Foods: Include citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers to strengthen the immune system and support tissue repair.
Whole Grains: Incorporate whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa to maintain hormone balance and promote overall well-being.
Probiotic-rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods can support gut health and may help with vaginal health.
Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts provide healthy fats, supporting hormone balance and reducing inflammation.
Avoid Processed Foods: Limit processed foods, sugary items, and alcohol, as they can worsen inflammation and hormonal imbalances.

Consult a healthcare provider for specific treatments and advice tailored to individual needs.

DIET AND REGIMEN

Here’s a diet and regimen for dyspareunia (painful intercourse), described point-wise:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and reduce vaginal dryness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds to reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Vitamin E-rich Foods: Eat avocados, almonds, and leafy greens to promote tissue health and improve moisture levels.
Probiotic Foods: Include yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods to maintain healthy vaginal flora and prevent infections.
Healthy Fats: Consume olive oil, avocado, and nuts for hormone balance and to reduce inflammation.
Vitamin C: Eat citrus fruits, berries, and peppers to strengthen immunity and aid tissue repair.
Avoid Irritants: Limit spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, as they can irritate the pelvic region.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Regularly practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to improve muscle tone and reduce discomfort.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice based on individual symptoms and needs.

Homeopathic Medicines for Dyspareunia:

The homeopathic remedies (medicines) given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the homeopathy treatment of this condition. The symptoms listed against each homeopathic remedy may not be directly related to this disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications also taken into account for selecting a remedy.

Medicine of Dyspareunia:

1.Argentum nitricum

Inflammation of prepuce, ulceration.
Female Sexual dreams also orgasms at night (in an epileptic).

2.Staphysagria:

Specifically indicated inDyspareunia
In female her parts very sensitive, worse sitting down.
Irritable bladder in young married women.
Prolapses, with sinking in the abdomen; aching around the hips. In male especially after self-abuse; persistent dwelling on sexual subjects.
Spermatorrhoea, with sunken features; guilty look; emissions, with backache also weakness and sexual neurasthenia.
Dyspnoea after coition.

3.Thuja:

Vagina very sensitive, Warty excrescences on vulva and perineum. Profuse leucorrhoea; thick, greenish.
Severe pain in left ovary and left inguinal region. Menses scanty, retarded.
Fleshy excrescences. Additionally, Ovaritis; worse left side, at every menstrual period. Profuse perspiration before menses.
In male Inflammation of prepuce and glans; pain in penis. Balanitis. Besides this, Gonorrhoeal rheumatism Gonorrhoea
All in all, Chronic induration of testicles. Pain and burning felt near neck of bladder, with frequent and urgent desire to urinate. Prostatic enlargement.

4.Ferrum metallicum:

Menses remit a day or two, also then return.
Furthermore, Discharge of long pieces from uterus.
Specifically indicated in Dyspareunia
Women who are weak, delicate, chlorotic, yet have a fiery-red face.
Menses too early, too profuse, last too long; pale, watery. Sensitive vagina. Lastly, Tendency to abortion. Prolapse of vagina.

5. Natrum Muriaticum:

Menses irregular; usually profuse.
Vagina dry.Leucorrhoea acrid, watery. Bearing-down pains; worse especially in morning.
Prolepses uteri, with cutting in urethra.
Ineffectual labour- pains. Suppressed menses. Hot during menses.

6.Sepia:

Pelvic organs relaxed. Bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through vulva.
Must cross limbs to prevent protrusion, or press against vulva.
In detail,Leucorrhoea, yellow, greenish; with much itching.
Menses too late and scanty, irregular, early also profuse, sharp clutching pains.
Violent stitches upward in the vagina, from uterus to umbilicus.
Prolapse of uterus and vagina. Morning sickness. Vagina painful, especially on coition.

FAQ

What is Dyspareunia

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Dyspareunia

Argentum nitricum
Staphysagria
Thuja
Ferrum metallicum
Natrum Muriaticum
Sepia

What causes Dyspareunia

Impotence
Premature ejaculation
Congenital anatomic defect of the penis
Lack of technique of coital act
Vaginitis
Vaginal septum
Tender scar
Secondary vaginal atresia
Tumor
Vaginal atrophy

What are the symptoms of Dyspareunia

Pain only at sexual entry
Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon.
Deep pain during thrusting.
Burning pain or aching pain.
Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse

REFFERNCE

[1] DC DUTTA’s GYNECOLOGY

[2]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375973

[3] Therapeutic Byways By Anshutz E. P.