DEAR MAYO CLINIC: i will be in my own belated 50s while having recently unearthed that intercourse is starting to become quite uncomfortable. I will be presuming simply because I’m past menopause, but what’s the way that is best to help make intercourse less painful?
RESPONSE: Dyspareunia, the definition of for painful genital intercourse, is very typical. Quotes differ, but surveys of postmenopausal females maybe not on hormones treatment report dyspareunia in up to 20 to 30 %. It’s often divided in to three groups: superficial discomfort, deep discomfort or both. The majority of women complain of trivial discomfort, which does occur upon genital penetration. Frequently, the pain sensation includes a sharp or burning quality. Deep discomfort does occur with deep penetration or thrusting. For a few women, dyspareunia is temporary. For other people, it could become chronic.
After menopause, painful sex usually is related to changes because of decreased estrogen amounts.
The genital cells have a tendency to become less elastic, more delicate, and much more at risk of bleeding, tearing or discomfort during intercourse or throughout a pelvic exam. It may make intercourse painful and sometimes even impossible. The increased loss of estrogen could cause problems that are urinary that also makes intercourse uncomfortable. Not enough sexual intercourse plays a role in lack of muscle health insurance and elasticity.
Often, other facets are in play, including damage or traumatization, such as for instance from childbirth, pelvic surgery or any sort of accident. Skin conditions like eczema or lichen sclerosus, or contamination in your vaginal area or urinary system also could cause intercourse become painful. Continue reading