Why does sex hurt?
Pain during sex is unfortunately common. In fact, three out of four women experience pain during sex at some point in their lives. Some of the reasons you experience pain during sex, called dyspareunia, include:
- Your state of mind if you’re feeling stress, anxiety, or worry
- Relationship problems
- Certain medications, including birth control pills
- Medical and surgical procedures, including vaginal mesh
- Problems with your partner’s sexual abilities, such as erectile dysfunction
Dr. Rodke treats all types of dyspareunia and works with you to identify the cause of your symptoms. She focuses on finding the source of your pain, whether in your vulva, vagina, or perineum, to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
What causes painful intercourse after menopause?
Painful intercourse is most common among women during and after menopause. This is due to hormonal changes that reduce blood flow to the tissues in your pelvis. With less blood flow, your body has trouble increasing natural lubrication during sex, which can lead to friction and pain.
With fewer hormones, the muscles in your pelvis can become loose or relaxed and fail to respond to the rhythmic contractions of orgasm as they used to before menopause. Childbirth and vaginal surgeries, such as hysterectomies, can make this problem worse.
How is painful intercourse treated?
Dr. Rodke uses a variety of noninvasive methods to treat painful intercourse so you can enjoy your sex life again. Once she diagnoses the cause of your symptoms, she outlines treatments that can help, including:
- Kegel exercises
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Oral and topical medications to increase lubrication
- The MonaLisa Touch system
Dr. Rodke can recommend one or more of these options depending on your situation.
How does the MonaLisa Touch work?
The MonaLisa Touch system uses gentle laser energy to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic tissues. Dr. Rodke inserts a small probe into your vagina and turns on the MonaLisa Touch system to emit laser energy through the probe for five minutes. The probe is then removed and you can return to your normal activities.
The laser energy increases blood flow to the area, which increases natural lubrication and stimulates the tissues inside your vagina to tighten. Multiple sessions might be recommended depending on your diagnosis.
To find out what’s causing your pain during intercourse and to get help, call Dr. Rodke or schedule a visit online now.
