Dyspareunia Specialists & Physicians In Seattle - Treatment For Painful Intercourse

There are many causes for painful intercourse in women.  For many, it is obvious. to themselves.  Among the more common and obvious reasons are from thinning of the vaginal lining (called the mucosa) often from a drop in estrogen levels  during menopause or after breast cancer treatment.

​Other causes include pelvic floor dysfunction, which is an unconscious tightening of the pelvic floor muscles or a lack of coordination in the use of these muscles.  Less common causes include anatomical  restrictions such as stenosis, webs or strictures. Most anatomical barriers can be corrected with time, patience and minor interventions.  Below are some other considerations:

• Not enough lubrication. This is often the result of not enough foreplay. A drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth or during breast-feeding also can be a cause.
  Certain medications are known to affect sexual desire or arousal, which can decrease lubrication and make sex painful. These include antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, antihistamines and certain birth control pills.
• Injury, trauma or irritation. This includes injury or irritation from an accident, pelvic surgery, female circumcision or a cut made during childbirth to enlarge the birth canal (episiotomy).
• Inflammation, infection or skin disorder. An infection in your genital area or urinary tract can cause painful intercourse. Eczema or other skin problems in your genital area also can be the problem.
• Vaginismus. These involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall can make penetration painful.
• Congenital abnormality. A problem present at birth, such as the absence of a fully formed vagina (vaginal agenesis) or development of a membrane that blocks the vaginal opening (imperforate hymen), could cause dyspareunia.​

​Our Innovative MonaLisa Touch Treatment 

Women suffering from Dyspareunia who wish to avoid experimenting with hormone medication treatment or more invasive surgical intervention treatment options should consider our innovative MonaLisa Touch treatment.

MonaLisa Touch uses laser technology to rejuvenate and promote healthy new growth of tissue and cells in the vaginal wall and canal. The regenerated tissue improves overall health and function, while simultaneously improving sexual satisfaction and reducing or eliminating pain. 

There are a number of additional benefits to MonaLisa Touch treatment. Contact our experienced team of sexual health professionals to learn more about benefits and other treatment options. 

Emotions Can Have An Impact On Sexual Satisfaction

Emotions are deeply intertwined with sexual activity, so they might play a role in sexual pain. Emotional factors include:

• Psychological issues. Anxiety, depression, concerns about your physical appearance, fear of intimacy or relationship problems can contribute to a low level of arousal and a resulting discomfort or pain.
• Stress. Your pelvic floor muscles tend to tighten in response to stress in your life. This can contribute to pain during intercourse.
• History of sexual abuse. Not every woman with dyspareunia has a history of sexual abuse, but if you have been abused, it can play a role.

It can be difficult to tell whether emotional factors are associated with dyspareunia. Initial pain can lead to fear of recurring pain, making it difficult to relax, which can lead to more pain. You might start avoiding sexual intercourse if you associate it with the pain.
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Contact Us To Request A Consultation

Our team of experienced sexual health professionals is here to answer your questions and help you better understand which treatment options may be available and best for your unique situation. Call (206) 522-5646 to speak with our office about our practitioners' availability.