What is sexual pain disorder?
Extreme discomfort or pain experienced by women while attempting or engaging in sexual intercourse can be deeply distressing, reduce sexual desire, and disrupt connections. Genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder may involve a variety of causes and symptoms, both physical and cerebral, and a clinician can help a private or couple take way toward restoring a healthy sex life.
The disorder involves difficulty having intercourse and feeling significant pain upon penetration. The severity can range from a complete inability to witness vaginal penetration to the potential to witness penetration in one situation but not another. For illustration, a woman might not feel discomfort when fitting a tampon but might experience intense pain when trying to have vaginal intercourse.
Genito-pelvic pain or penetration complaint was preliminarily appertained to as a sexual pain complaint conforming of dyspareunia ( pain in the pelvic area during or after sexual intercourse) or vaginismus (an involuntary spasm of the musculature surrounding the vagina causing it to close, resulting in penetration being difficult, painful, or insolvable).
The number of girls with genito-pelvic pain/ penetration disorder is not known, but it is estimated that fifteen per cent of girls in North America experience intermittent pain during intercourse, consistent with the DSM-5. The disorder is related to other challenges, including reduced concupiscence and avoidance of any genital contact which may cause pain. As a result, numerous women living with the disorder may have problems in their romantic connections, and numerous report that their symptoms make them feel less womanlike.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder, as catalogued by the DSM-5, include persistent or intermittent difficulties with one (or further) of the following
1. Vaginal penetration during intercourse.
2. Marked vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during vaginal intercourse or penetration attempts.
3. Marked fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of vaginal penetration.
4. Marked tensing or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration.
To be diagnosed with genito-pelvic pain/ penetration disorder, a patient's symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and cause clinically significant distress. Also, the sexual dysfunction shouldn't be better explained by a nonsexual psychiatric condition or as a consequence of severe relationship distress (e.g., better half violence) or other significant stressors, nor be attributable to the goods of a substance, medication, or another medical condition.
Genito-pelvic pain is most generally reported during early adulthood and in the peri-and postmenopausal periods.
Causes
The disorder is often characterized as being lifelong or acquired. The specifics of the disorder's development are not known, but factors relevant to its cause and treatment may include.
A better half's health status or challenges with sexual intercourse.
Relationship factors, similar to differences in sexual desire or a lack of communication.
Individual vulnerability, like a history of abuse or poor body image.
Cultural and religious attitudes toward sexuality.
Medical concerns are similar to infections or conditions that cause pain in the genito-pelvic region.
An important risk factor for the development of genito-pelvic pain/ penetration disorder is pain during tampon insertion. Numerous women can also witness a rise in genito-pelvic pain-related symptoms during the postpartum period or after a history of vaginal infections.
Treatment
Treatment and outcome of genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder depend on the cause of the pain. A clinician can help to work out a diagnosis and consult on appropriate treatment.
For painful intercourse after pregnancy, gentleness and tolerance should be exercised.
For painful intercourse in menopausal women, lubricants and estrogen-containing creams or medicines may be used as prescribed.
For painful intercourse caused by endometriosis, medications are often obtained. Surgery can also be an option and might provide total relief.
For painful intercourse due to other complications, disease, or mental factors, a healthcare provider can offer the best means of intervention tailored to the specific reason for the pain.
At a clinical visit, a patient's medical record is going to be obtained and a physical examination performed. Detailed medical record questions documenting difficulty with intercourse could include
1. When did the pain first develop?
2. Is intercourse painful every time that it's attempted or only some of the time?
3. Has it always been painful?
4. Is intercourse painful for your better half as well?
5. Is the pain in the labia, the vagina, or the entire pelvic area?
6. Does the pain occur during entry?
7. Have you experienced a significant traumatic event in your history, similar to rape or child abuse?
8. Are you presently being treated for any illnesses, diseases, or disorders?
9. Are you presently taking any medications?
10. Has there lately been a significant emotional event in your life?
11. What steps have you taken to try to make intercourse less painful? How well have they worked?
12. What other symptoms are you experiencing?
Unless the problem is caused by one person's physical issues, a couple should see the doctor together. However, tests will be ordered, If a physical problem is suspected.
Prevention
Good hygiene and routine medical aid may help to some extent. Acceptable foreplay and stimulation will aid in ensuring proper lubrication of the vagina. The use of a water-soluble lubricant like K-Y Jelly can also help. (Vaseline shouldn't be used as a sexual lubricant. It is not water-soluble and may lead to vaginal infections.)
SOURCE
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/genito-pelvic-pain-or-penetration-disorder-sexual-pain-disorder