women s health issues
Genito Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder
Symptoms of Genito Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder
The pain of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder may first occur when something (tampon, speculum, or penis) is inserted into the vagina. Or a woman may never have had pain-free sexual intercourse. For example, the pain may occur even if she has not had sexual pain in the past. The pain is often described as burning or stabbing. Women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder may have an intense fear of and anxiety about pain before or during penetration of the vagina. When women anticipate that pain will recur during penetration, their vaginal muscles tighten, making attempts at sexual intercourse even more painful. The inability to have sexual intercourse is stressful for a woman and can cause relationship stress with a partner. It causes significant stress for a woman who wants to become pregnant. 