Pain During Intercourse
When penetration for intercourse is painful the cause should be determined and treatment started.
VAGINISMUS
This is when the muscles surrounding the vagina suddenly and painfully contract, usually in response to the vulva or vagina being touched. Sexual intercourse is impeded.
Vaginismus can be caused by ulceration or other vaginal injury or infection, inflammation, dryness or shrinkage of the lining of the vagina. If any of these factors are present, a doctor should be consulted. If the cause is instead a psychological fear and aversion to intercourse, psychological counselling is needed.
DYSPAREUNIA
Vaginismus and Dyspareunia are sometimes mentioned interchangeably. Pain following an episiotomy during childbirth is usually referred to as dyspareunia. The episiotomy causes scar tissue and treatment using a specific current and stimulation over the scar with a Unomax II home stimulator, using Programme 6, or with the Phenix clinical system loosens the tissue and usually resolves the problem with up to 10 sessions.