Painful intercourse. Dyspareunia and Vaginismus

Abstract

Dyspareunia and Vaginismus are two clinical forms of painful sexual intercourses, affecting mostly the premenopausal women with vaginal atrophy, and young 18-24 years old women. The symptoms may be caused by medical and gynaecological problems. The unpleasant intercourse has got a huge impact on the partner and the quality of marriage. Some women accuse themselves; some are aggressed, and their partner develop sexual aversion, anxiety, shame, depression, hostility, anger. The understanding partner is opened to communication and supports the healing process. Psychotherapy is needed for both partners, with clearly defined objectives which informs the couple that complete remission is very difficult to obtain. Women who suffer of dyspareunia have an increased sensitivity to pain. In the case of dyspareunia caused by medical conditions, healing consists of relaxation methods, exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and variation of sexual life „temperature” of the relationship, involving the partner in the therapy too. The client needs to feel that she is beautiful, attractive. She needs to maintain a permanent dialog with the partner. This is an important marital problem and therapists need to respect the values of the family involved. For the future it is important to help women and couples (classical, homosexual, disabled) to cure painful sexual intercourse and improve their intimacy.