Dyspareunia is a persistent pain that can generally be felt during sexual intercourse. This health disorder may occur in both genders, but it is more common among women. A recent study on dyspareunia has revealed that almost 25% of women in the country regularly experience painful intercourse. The condition is more common in women who are going through menopause. However, according to most doctors, dyspareunia during menopause may also be caused by some other factors, which can be both physical as well as psychological.

Some of these factors include the following:

1. Certain underlying health conditions
Various health conditions that generally affect the pelvic areas of a person can also cause pain during intercourse. Some of these conditions include:

• Fibroids

Fibroids are a type of non-malignant tumors, which usually grow on the walls of the uterus.

• Cystitis

Cystitis occurs when the wall of your bladder becomes inflamed. It is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

• IBS

It is a chronic type of health disorder that affects the digestive tract.

2. Vaginismus
Dyspareunia in menopause may also occur if you are suffering from a muscle condition called vaginismus. This health disorder generally affects the muscles of the pelvic floor and causes a muscle spasm, which makes it almost impossible to have sexual intercourse or undergo any kind of gynecological examination. This condition can be caused by numerous things, such as trauma, sexual abuse, or some emotional factors.

3. Dryness of the vagina
During sexual arousal, the glands under the skin of the vagina usually secrete a type of fluid that plays an essential part during intercourse. However, if these glands start malfunctioning and do not produce enough fluid, which usually happens during menopause because of the sudden drop in the level of estrogen, then the person may feel pain.

Dryness of vagina may also occur as a side effect of numerous medications such as antidepressants, sedatives, birth control drugs, high blood pressure medicines, and antihistamines.

4. Pelvic injuries
Pelvic injuries, which can be caused by accidents or during intercourse, are also known to cause dyspareunia in menopause. These injuries may also be caused by female circumcision or the cuts that occur during childbirth.

Many doctors also consider infections, which can be caused by any kind of skin disorder such as eczema or lichen sclerosis, to be another factor that can lead to dyspareunia.

5. Psychological issues
Some types of psychological issues such as stress or anxiety can cause your pelvic muscles to tighten up, which can cause pain. Some of the health specialists also link these issues with vaginal dryness, which is considered to be one of the most common causes of dyspareunia.

6. Birth abnormalities
Even though they are considered to be one of the less common underlying causes, birth abnormalities such as vaginal agenesis and imperforate hymen are also considered to be some of the risk factors of dyspareunia in menopause. These congenital abnormalities usually cause pain at the entrance of the vagina while having intercourse.

Dyspareunia is a painful condition and can lead to numerous complications. Thus, finding the underlying causes and treating them as soon as possible becomes very important for those who are suffering from it.