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Dyspareunia, or painful sex,  is a condition that causes pain during intercourse, including the period following intercourse. Women who suffer from dyspareunia may also experience pain when tampons are used. Although not a lot is heard about dyspareunia, millions of women experience it, often without realizing it can be successfully treated with a range of simple treatment options.

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What are the primary causes of dyspareunia?

A few examples are

• inflammation or irritation

• infection

• injury

• hormonal fluctuations

• anatomical defects, like a shallow vagina

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• vaginal muscle spasms (a condition called vaginismus)

• skin issues that occur in the skin surrounding the vaginal opening

• uterine prolapse, a condition that occurs when weak pelvic floor muscles allow the uterus to protrude into the vagina

• medical treatments like chemotherapy or some types of surgery

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• chronic or severe stress

• psychological issues

• very large cysts

 

Dr. Gueye is fully equipped and skilled at finding the root of the pain through a pelvic exam and any necessary procedures that can be performed in the office. Possible treatment options include:

• hormone replacement therapy to boost or replenish depleted levels of estrogen that can cause vaginal dryness

• estrogen creams or lotions

• lubricants to decrease friction and irritation

• laser treatment to address an array of underlying issues and restore vaginal function

• Antibiotics

• Surgery

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