Painful Intercourse Specialist

What causes pain during sexual intercourse?

Women of any age can experience sexual dysfunction and pain during intercourse as a result of vaginal dryness. Often times it’s associated with a lack of estrogen to the vaginal tissues. However, the issue is especially common among women who are menopausal, breastfeeding, undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatment or have had a hysterectomy.

How common is pain during intercourse?

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a quarter of all women ages 50-59 experience vaginal dryness during sex and 16% experience pain. The study also points out that 17% of women ages 18-50 experience vaginal dryness during intercourse. However, it’s important to note that vaginal dryness and pain is not limited to these age groups.

What treatment options can alleviate pain during intercourse?

Dr. Kornreich provides a wide range of options. These include local vaginal estrogen or non-estrogen therapy, the FDA-approved MonaLisa Touch vaginal CO2 laser treatment, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as vaginal dilators when indicated.

The MonaLisa Touch vaginal CO2 laser is a minimally invasive therapy that provides relief via controlled light energy delivered into the vaginal walls. During a five minute procedure, a slender wand is inserted into the vaginal canal. Over the course of three treatments approximately 6 weeks apart, this therapeutic modality increases vaginal blood circulation and activates collagen and elastin production. This treatment is well tolerated, pain free and does not require anesthesia. Improvement is typically experienced shortly after the first treatment, however, maximal benefits may not be recognized until up to two months after the third treatment. These benefits may last up to one year at which time an annual touch up treatment is performed.

For more information or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kornreich, please contact the office directly.