Dyspareunia (pain during sex)

Avatar for missourigrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Dyspareunia (pain during sex)
3
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 11:21am

Hello everyone. I have been with my SO for 6 years now and after several years of having a painful/burning sensation during sex (I'd say about 3 or 4 out of the 6 years we've been together), the doctor finally said I may have dyspareunia. There are no physical signs, just what I described...pain and burning inside my vagina during sex (even when he uses his fingers it hurts). It's totally killed my libido and it's taking a toll on our relationship. It doesn't matter what position or if we use lubrication or not, it still hurts! The doctor said that Elavil (an antidepressant) is commonly prescribed for treating dyspareunia. I don't want to have to take an antidepressant! The doctor said it's not really an "antidepressant" so to speak. It's used to treat a syndrome (such as dyspareunia). What the heck does that mean? It still sounds like and antidepressant to me! Anyone have dyspareunia or know anything about it? Is there another way of treating it besides an antidepressant? This totally sucks! Why does this have to happen to me? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!
Kristen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 2:49pm

Hi Kristen, welcome!

I’m sorry you have been diagnosed with Dyspareunia. For an overview of the condition see: Dyspareunia: Painful Sex for Women http://familydoctor.org/669.xml As I understand it Dyspareunia is the general term for a number of conditions including Vaginismus and Vulvodynia none of which are well understood. For more about Vulvodynia see: http://familydoctor.org/367.xml For more on Vaginismus see: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001487.htm

iVillage has a Vulvodynia Support board http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhvulvodynia The CL (Judie_rae) and members there are very knowledgeable and I think it would be a good idea for you to post to the Vulvodynia board and explain your situation and symptoms to them. I don’t mean to run you off (you are more than welcome to continue to post here too) but the expertise you are looking for is on Judie’s board. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck and hugs,

      Jill

    

Avatar for missourigrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 9:33pm

Thanks for all the helpful links, Jill. I will most certainly post my situation over on the Vulvodynia board as well. Thanks again!

Kristen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2004
Tue, 02-01-2005 - 8:17pm

Hi...

Sorry for the late reply. I am studying to be a physical therapist and am currently working in a practice where two therapists specialize in women's health (incontinence, painful sex, etc.). You may want to ask your doctor about seeing a physical therapist who specializes in women's health issues to treat your problem.

HTH