Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Your healthcare provider can diagnose the underlying cause of pain during sex with a thorough health history and physical examination. The physical exam could include checking your pelvis, abdomen, vagina and uterus.

What tests are done to diagnose dyspareunia?

To locate the source of the pain and diagnose any medical conditions, healthcare providers may perform the following:

Pelvic exam: Your healthcare provider may also collect a sample of vaginal fluid and pee to test for signs of infection. Sometimes, your provider will perform a rectal exam.
Ultrasounds: Transvaginal ultrasound can get a better view of your reproductive system.
Laparoscopy: In rare cases, laparoscopy is used if other tests are inconclusive.

How do I talk to my doctor about painful sex?

Talk openly with your healthcare provider about any pain during sexual intercourse. It’s normal to feel slightly embarrassed about discussing a sensitive topic like sex. But know that your provider has heard it before and is there to help you.

Some questions your healthcare provider may ask you are:

Where’s the pain occurring?
How often does the pain occur?
How long have you been having painful intercourse?
What does the pain feel like?
What medications are you taking?
Have you had any prior surgeries in the area?
Have you been treated for any conditions that affect your genitals?

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.