Many women suffer sexual pain (dyspareunia, vulvodynia). The pain can develop at any age, but beyond pain associated with early sexual experiences, sex-related genital pain often occurs after age 40.

A landmark survey estimated that 20 percent of American women experience pain on intercourse. Other surveys suggest that 15 percent of premenopausal women and 33 percent of postmenopausal women complain of genital pain. Genital pain and pain on intercourse are frequent reasons why women consult gynecologists and sex therapists.

Unfortunately, until recently, doctors often dismissed women’s genital or sexual pain as “neurotic” and suggested psychiatry. This left women doubly wounded—in pain, and made to feel emotionally troubled as well.

Fortunately, most sex-related pain can be cured.

In this article:

• Genital Play and Intercourse Should Never Hurt
• Most Sexual Pain Can Be Cured
• 14 Possible Causes of Women’s Sex-Related Pain
• 6 Issues Women Should Discuss with Their Doctors

2,800 words MORE…