Dyspareunia is a health term used to describe painful sexual intercourse. This condition can have an impact on women of all ages and can make sex uncomfortable or even unbearable. Awareness of the common symptoms of dyspareunia can assist you in identifying the issue early and seeking appropriate treatment. Here are some of the critical symptoms you should be mindful of - 

Throbbing pain or burning sensation after sex 

One of the most common symptoms of dyspareunia is experiencing throbbing pain or a burning sensation after sex. This discomfort can change from mild to severe and may last for hours or even days after sex. The pain might feel like a persistent ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation. If you experience this type of pain after sex, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. 

Pain during vaginal penetration 

Pain during vaginal penetration is another common symptom of dyspareunia. This pain can occur at the entrance of the vagina or deeper inside the pelvis. It might be a sharp pain that happens as soon as penetration begins or a dull ache that develops as intercourse continues. If you experience pain during penetration, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to figure out the cause. 

Pain with every penetration 

For some women, dyspareunia isn’t limited to sexual intercourse; it can also make it painful to use tampons. If you experience discomfort or pain every time you try to insert a tampon, this could be a sign of dyspareunia. The pain might be sharp and immediate or a lingering ache that persists as long as the tampon is in place. This symptom can interfere with your ability to manage your menstrual cycle comfortably and may require medical evaluation. 

Thinning or sparse pubic hair 

While thinning or sparse pubic hair isn’t a direct cause of dyspareunia, it can be associated with conditions that lead to painful intercourse. For example, hormonal changes during menopause can cause a decrease in pubic hair and also lead to vaginal dryness, which will make sex painful. Notice a significant thinning of your pubic hair and other dyspareunia symptoms. It might be worth discussing with your healthcare professional to see if there’s a connection. 

Burning or aching pain 

A burning or aching pain in the genital area is another symptom of dyspareunia. This type of pain can be constant or occur only during or after sexual activity. This discomfort can be particularly distressing and affect your quality of life, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities. If you experience burning or aching pain, it’s essential to seek medical advice to decide the cause and explore treatment options. 

Conclusion 

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must talk to your healthcare expert. Early diagnosis and treatment of dyspareunia will help decrease the discomfort and improve your quality of life.