Dyspareunia: Difference between revisions

'''Dyspareunia''' is painful [[sexual intercourse]] due to medical or psychological causes. The pain can primarily be on the external surface of the [[genitalia]], or deeper in the pelvis upon deep pressure against the [[cervix]]. It can affect a small portion of the vulva or vagina or be felt all over the surface. Understanding the duration, location, and nature of the pain is important in identifying the causes of the pain.<ref name=Wikipedia>{{URLwikipedia|Dyspareunia|Dyspareunia|2020-06-12}}</ref>

Numerous physical, psychological, and social or relationship causes can contribute to pain during sexual encounters. Commonly, multiple underlying causes contribute to the pain. The pain can be acquired or [[Congenital disorder|congenital]]. Symptoms of dyspareunia may also occur after menopause. Diagnosis is typically by [[physical examination]] and [[medical history]].<ref name=Wikipedia/>

Warren & Bigelow (1994) reported that the [[foreskin]] "provides slack skin on the shaft of the erect penis allowing it to glide within its own sheath of skin during intercourse. This provides for more enjoyable intercourse for both partners and avoids problems with vaginal dryness." It follows that when the [[foreskin]] is amputated by [[circumcision]], the [[gliding action]] is not present, so vaginal abrasions and pain are more likely.<ref name="warren1994">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> O'Hara & O'Hara (1999) reported that "[w]omen were also more likely to state that they had had vaginal discomfort with a circumcised partner either often or occasionally as opposed to rarely or never."<ref>{{REFjournal|last=O'Hara