Dyspareunia is the medical term used for painful coitus. Dyspareunia is considered primarily physical, rather than emotional, unless proven otherwise. Various factors could cause dyspareunia, a few of which are:

• Allergic reaction to a personal hygiene product.
• Hormonal changes caused due to aging.
• Tipped or retroverted uterus.
• Endometriosis – a condition when the endometrium (the tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus causing pain during coitus.
• Bacterial or yeast infections
• Vulvodynia - a condition in which the vulva is hypersensitive and extremely tender to touch.
• Pelvic floor myalgia – involuntary muscle spasms and pelvic floor muscle spasms can result in dyspareunia.
• Physical problems such as scar tissue due to abdominal surgery or delivery that has lead to distortion in anatomy.
• Emotional factors such as guilt, tension or anxiety about sex, depression, or prior physical trauma.

Treatment involves finding out the cause that has lead to dyspareunia. Medications can be prescribed to treat infections, or alternate birth control measures, may be suggested.

Ayurveda recommends the following supplements for treating dyspareunia:

• SUNDARI KALP FORTE
• ASHOKARISHTA
• PUSHYANUG CHURNA
• RAJAHPRAVARTINI BATI

Other alternatives include relaxation exercises that may help in regaining control over vaginal muscles and reducing pain. Physical Therapy too, performed by a trained physical therapist could be considered, to rule out any abnormalities in the muscle or bone structure. Therapy may include manipulating body parts internally or externally to improve alignment and muscle strength. Specific breathing exercises that help in reducing pain may be recommended.

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