women s health issues
Genito Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder
Introduction
Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder includes pain during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity that involves penetration and involuntary contraction of muscles around the opening of the vagina (levator ani syndrome, or vaginismus), making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. Most women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder are anxious about and cannot tolerate insertion of any object into the vagina (such as from sexual intercourse, a tampon, or a pelvic examination). Women may develop this disorder after experiencing painful intercourse (due to vaginal dryness or sexual trauma), or there may be no known cause. Doctors diagnose genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder based on symptoms, a pelvic examination, and specific criteria. Lubricants, topical anesthetic (numbing) gels, exercises to relax pelvic muscles, exercises to make women feel comfortable with vaginal contact by themselves or their partner, or pelvic physical therapy may help. (See also Overview of Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women .) Pain during intercourse may occur in the Vulva (the external female genitals, including the labia, clitoris, and opening of the vagina), called provoked vestibulodynia: Occurring when the vulva is touched, even with light pressure Vagina, called dyspareunia: Occurring when something is inserted into the vagina Abdomen (belly), called deep dyspareunia: Occurring in the abdomen when something is inserted into the vagina The pain may be burning, sharp, or cramping. Pelvic muscles tend to become tight, which increases the pain, whether it is superficial or deep. In genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, muscles around the opening of vagina tighten involuntarily when a woman thinks about or tries to have sexual intercourse (or any vaginal insertion, such as during a pelvic examination). Many women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder also have difficulty becoming aroused and/or difficulty reaching orgasm. 