DYSPAREUNIA

dyspareunia dys·pa·reu·ni·a (dĭs'pə-r&oomacr;'nē-ə)
n.
Difficult or painful sexual intercourse.

dyspareunia

painful or difficult sexual intercourse in the female. Disorders are generally physical rather than psychological. Dyspareunia may be caused by inflammation or infection of the vagina, vaginismus (q.v.; voluntary or involuntary contraction of the lower vaginal muscles), remnants of the hymen, insufficient lubrication of the vagina, infection, endometriosis, tumours, or other pathologic conditions (including those of the anus-such as hemorrhoids-or in the urinary tract). It may also be partially or (rarely) fully the result of psychosexual conflicts; for example, pain experienced in the first few attempts at sexual intercourse may lead to aversion to it and fear even after the pain is no longer encountered.

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