Diagnosing and Treating Dyspareunia Online
Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful sex or, more specifically, continual or recurring genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after intercourse. While men can experience Dyspareunia, it is more common among women, particularly menopausal and post-menopausal women. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), Dyspareunia afflicts as many as 45% of menopausal and post-menopausal American women.
During a video consult on Amwell, one of our board-certified doctors will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine the severity of your Dyspareunia. Your diagnosis will be based on the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as your medical history.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Treatment for Dyspareunia varies patient-to-patient depending on the severity and cause of the pain, but a consistent treatment routine can help minimize or eliminate the pain. This routine may include:
- Medication to treat an infection or medical condition that contributes to your pain
- Changing from medications known to decrease genital lubrication
- Topical estrogen
- Prescription medications that act like estrogen
- Capsules you place inside the vagina daily
- Desensitization/Vaginal relaxation therapy
- Counseling or sex therapy
Even with treatment, Dyspareunia may result in a negative emotional response to sexual stimulation. If you and your partner are avoiding intimacy due to the pain from your Dyspareunia, your doctor may also recommend counseling or sex therapy to help resolve these issues. This may be with one of Amwell's online therapists or a local therapist in your area.
