What is dyspareunia?

By (psychologist).
Last Update: 02/11/2022

Dyspareunia, also called coitalgia, refers to the pain that occurs during sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia is more common in women than in men, although it can occur in both sexes.

In men, dyspareunia can appear at the time of ejaculation, affecting both the external and internal part of the reproductive system. On the other hand, discomfort in women usually occurs in the internal part of the vagina, the pelvic area and in the abdomen.

The causes of pain during intercourse are multiple and different depending on sex:

Men
Usually, dyspareunia is caused by an infection in the prostate, bladder or seminal vesicles. Other factors that can cause pain during sexual intercourse are phimosis, abnormal curvature of the penis, etc.
Women
coital discomfort is associated with vaginismus. In addition, women may have dyspareunia if they have pelvic inflammatory diseases, endometriosis, hyperprolactinemia, etc.
Imagen: dyspareunia-pain-sexual-intercourse

Although these are the most common causes of dyspareunia in men and women, the psychological factor should not be forgotten. Therefore, lack of arousal, poor sexual education, having anxiety problems, etc. can also cause painful intercourse.

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Author

 Cristina  Algarra Goosman
Cristina Algarra Goosman
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Psychologist
Graduated in Psychology by the University of Valencia (UV) and specialized in Clinical Psychology by the European University Center and specific training in Infertility: Legal, Medical and Psychosocial Aspects by University of Valencia (UV) and ADEIT.
More information about Cristina Algarra Goosman
Member number: CV16874

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