Scientists from Northwestern University in the USA have listed the main causes of pain during sexual intercourse in women during and after menopause and their most effective treatments. Review study published in the journal Menopause.
According to various estimates, between 13% and 84% of postmenopausal women experience dyspareunia, which is pain in the vagina during intercourse. This leads to the inability to have penetrative sex, a decrease in self-esteem and quality of life.
“Postmenopausal women should not accept painful sex as the new normal. Many women try over-the-counter lubricants but continue to suffer. They, and sometimes their doctors, sometimes don’t know that there are other treatments that are more effective,” the study’s authors explained.
Scientists have noted that often the main cause of pain during sex is considered to be vaginal dryness due to lack of estrogen, but in fact, a woman may have another disease that cannot be found. Examples include arthritis, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, removal of the uterus or previous cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) can also cause pain during sexual intercourse.
Effective treatments include silicone lubricants, moisturizers, vaginal estrogens, topical testosterone therapy, and fractional CO2 laser therapy. In some cases, specific treatment by physical therapists or pelvic floor specialists may be required.
In a 2004 survey of more than 1,000 middle-aged women, 98% had at least one sexual problem, but only 18% of doctors addressed the issue.