Dyspareunia is a medical condition that causes pain around the vaginal opening and is experienced during penetrative sexual intercourse or activity. The pain may be superficial or deep and sharp with burning cramps, often caused by dryness of the vagina, causing the muscles to tighten. Therefore, the area is more acute to pain when an insertion is attempted. This commonly happens in premenopausal and menopausal phases of the fertility cycle.
How is Dyspareunia Diagnosed
Although some people may feel embarrassed, Dyspareunia is a prevalent condition and a commonly experienced. For the quickest path to relief, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or health professional.
A doctor will diagnose Dyspareunia after reviewing the patient’s medical history and carrying out a pelvic examination. Other related tests such as a pelvic ultrasound, urine or blood test, and an allergy test may be required.
One of the common causes is side effects to medications like birth control or antidepressants. Ask your doctor if your prescription can be causing your symptoms, but do not stop taking them unless instructed by your doctor. Altering antidepressant or birth control regimes can be dangerous, and should always be advised by your doctor before attempting. If an infection is the cause of the problem, then you will be prescribed medication as treatment to begin recovery.
If you have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or any other bacterial infection, antibiotics are the solution. For yeast infections, it is better to treat them with antifungal medication.
How Do You Treat Dyspareunia Naturally
Dealing with this issue might make you feel frustrated or upset. We get it. Luckily, you can treat Dyspareunia naturally and relieve the pain it causes.
Use an intimate skin care serum as part of your daily skin care regime
GoLove’s CBD water-based serum is perfectly formulated to take loving care of the delicate skin around the labia and perineal skin. Plump, soft skin is so much more enjoyable to own and operate!
Use water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants can help to relieve pain and dryness associated with Dyspareunia and if hypoallergenic and pH balanced will not disrupt your natural flora and fauna.
See a therapist to help with stress
Emotional and psychological discomfort can sometimes generate Dyspareunia. This is totally normal, and a counselor can help you identify what is the source of this discomfort and find ways to cope with your emotional pain or possible past trauma.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms
Your doctor can help you find a faster relief instead of treating it yourself. Ask your doctor if you can use treatments like estrogen creams that can be applied to the external area of the vagina 2 or 3 times per week. There is also a vaginal insert that is great for treating vaginal pain to have intercourse whenever you like. Your doctor will help you decide the best medication for you.
Practice yoga
Incorporating yoga into your daily routine will help to strengthen your muscles. Even if you do a five-minute session incorporating stretching exercises right before engaging in intercourse, you will feel more relaxed as this practice will help you ease the tightness of muscles and decrease stress levels. You and your partner will be saying Nama-stay-in-bed in no time.
Kegel exercises
These pelvic floor exercises will help you reduce muscle tightness. They are really easy to do. Before doing it, make sure you've emptied your bladder. Start by lying down and tightening or clenching your pelvic floor muscles. Hold tight and count 3 to 5 seconds. Then, relax the muscles and count again for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat this ten times at least three times a day, during the morning, afternoon, and at night.
Lifestyle changes
Stay hydrated, drink at least 8 cups of water throughout each day. When you are dehydrated, it is common for your body to produce less lubricant. Drinking more water can help you produce lubricating fluids and prevent dryness. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests woman should be consuming 11.5 cups, or 2.7 liters of fluids a day, so drink up!
Use fragrance-free products
Do not use scented products around your vaginal area because they can irritate your skin, which causes sensitivity, swelling, and pain. Avoid any fragranced soaps, powders, sprays, and lubricants.
Exercise
Exercising will help balance your hormones. Increasing your activity level will help your body stay balanced. You can exercise for 30 minutes at your house, go for a walk, dance, or do aerobics.
Change your clothing
Wear cotton underwear so sweat and bacteria do not get trapped and give you an infection. By wearing cotton underwear, your vaginal area has more room to breathe and will help you avoid any conditions that can potentially lead to pain.
After you exercise or swim, change clothes as soon as possible afterwards. For casual clothing, avoid wearing anything like skin-tight jeans or tights; instead, try wearing a looser fitting pant.
Foreplay
Good stimulation before intercourse is essential to producing lubrication and increases arousal and blood flow to the genitals. Good communication with your partner is vital. Talk to your partner or partners and tell them what turns you on. If you attempt penetration while not being fully lubricated, you may experience unwanted pain.
Something you can do before having sex is empty your bladder, take a warm bath, use a water-based lubricant, or even take a painkiller.
Change your sexual routine
Shifting positions during intercourse can reduce Dyspareunia symptoms and give you more stimulation, leading to more lubrication. Try different positions until you find one that provides pleasure, while minimizing pain. You can try getting on top, placing a pillow under your hips, spooning during sex, or even sitting on a chair or table. Let your partner know if you do not feel comfortable or are experiencing discomfort.
Aftercare
Once you have finished having sexual activity, make sure you urinate to prevent bladder infections, as your urine will help carry bacteria away. Also, taking a warm bath will help you relieve pain from sexual intercourse. Add Epsom salts to the water and sit in the tub for 10 to 20 minutes. This will soak your vaginal area in warm water and will reduce any inflammation.
Vaginal dilators
Getting your vagina to stretch using vaginal dilator therapy will make sex more comfortable and reduce pain caused by tight pelvic floor muscles. They usually come in kits of various sizes, and the goal is to go from the smallest to the largest.
Lubricate the dilator first and slowly insert it into your vagina. Begin kegel exercises and start pulling the dilator in and out for about five minutes, try moving in a circular motion and then remove it. Once you have finished, clean it with soap, warm water, and dry it with a clean towel.
The ultimate goal is that you can insert the largest size without feeling pain. If you feel uncomfortable, then you are going too big, too soon. Make sure to lubricate and try a smaller size until it feels comfortable.
Masturbation
You might not be seeking sex if it causes you pain just yet. But you can always try masturbating several times a week to increase your natural lubricants. Try using your fingers or small vibrators and, adding lubricate while you masturbate is never a bad idea.
Acupuncture
Doctors have found that acupuncture is effective in curing Dyspareunia symptoms. This helps your muscles relax and reduce pain.
There are several natural ways to treat Dyspareunia. However, in order to have a successful treatment, visit a doctor to plan out the best way to approach the issue. Starting a treatment on your own may result in more pain.