Dyspareunia Treatment near Richmond, VA

Experience comfort and ease intimacy without the discomfort of painful intercourse.

What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia refers to ongoing or repeated pain experienced during sexual activity. This discomfort can occur in the genital region before, during, or following intercourse, and the intensity may range from slight irritation to intense pain.

This condition can take a toll not only on your body but also on your emotional health. However, with proper care and support, most individuals can find effective treatments that either resolve the pain or help manage the symptoms, leading to a better overall quality of life.

Causes of Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia, or pain during intercourse, can stem from a wide range of physical and emotional factors. Some of the most common contributors include:

Vaginal dryness, which may result from hormonal shifts, certain birth control methods, or menopause
Infections affecting the vagina, pelvis, or uterus
Pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle-related pain
Endometriosis
Vulvodynia
Uterine fibroids
Emotional causes, such as a history of sexual trauma or abuse

Our team will work closely with you in Richmond, VA to pinpoint the specific cause of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan to support your recovery and well-being.

Risks of Untreated Dyspareunia

When left unaddressed, dyspareunia can result in persistent physical pain and emotional challenges. It may also strain relationships and reduce intimacy with a partner. Over time, the discomfort can worsen, impacting your mental well-being and daily life. Individuals living with chronic pelvic or sexual pain often report increased levels of anxiety, depression, and anticipatory pain—the fear of pain even before it begins. Seeking help from a gynecologist early on can lead to effective treatment, restored sexual function, and a better quality of life overall.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

If you're in Richmond, VA and experiencing pain during intimacy, know that compassionate and effective care is available. During your appointment, your provider will conduct a detailed physical examination to help determine the source of your discomfort. Depending on the findings, treatment options may include:

Topical or vaginal hormone creams to relieve vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, or symptoms linked to birth control use
Targeted treatment for infections such as yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, or pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic floor physical therapy to address underlying muscle dysfunction
Medications to reduce inflammation or manage chronic pain
Additional options for conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids

If you’re in the Richmond area, your gynecologist will work one-on-one with you to build a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs—supporting your journey toward lasting relief and improved comfort during intimacy.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Founded in 2018, The Center for Advanced Gynecology is committed to enhancing women’s health through expert, compassionate care. While we specialize in advanced gynecologic treatments and minimally invasive surgical options when needed, our primary focus remains on improving quality of life through effective, non-surgical solutions. Our experienced team offers focused care for conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort in the vaginal, vulvar, or bladder regions. Over the years, our practice has expanded to meet the growing needs of our community—now providing comprehensive gynecologic services including annual exams, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopause support, hormonal therapies, breast health, birth control counseling, urinary incontinence care, and pelvic organ prolapse management.

Schedule Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Vaginal dryness is one of the most frequent contributors to painful sexual intercourse, particularly for women going through menopause when estrogen levels naturally decline. The reduction in moisture can lead to increased friction during intimacy, which in turn causes discomfort or even significant pain. To alleviate these symptoms, gynecologists often suggest the use of over-the-counter lubricants or prescribe vaginal estrogen creams to help restore natural moisture and improve comfort. It's also important to note that for some individuals in Richmond, VA, the use of combined oral contraceptives (which include both estrogen and progestin) may unintentionally lead to dryness or reduced estrogen levels specifically at the vaginal entrance, further contributing to discomfort.

Postpartum dyspareunia is the medical term for pain experienced during intercourse after giving birth. This issue is more common than many people realize and can be caused by a variety of factors including hormonal shifts that affect vaginal tissue, physical trauma or tearing from delivery, and tension or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. For women in Richmond, VA navigating intimacy after childbirth, it’s important to know that postpartum dyspareunia can be evaluated and managed effectively. A gynecologist can assess the exact cause and offer targeted therapies, which may include pelvic floor physical therapy, hormonal support, or other medical treatments to restore comfort and confidence.

A thorough physical examination plays a crucial role in understanding what’s behind dyspareunia. During the appointment, your gynecologist will evaluate the pelvic region to detect possible causes such as infections, thinning of the vaginal tissue due to hormonal changes (commonly referred to as vaginal atrophy), muscle-related discomfort, or nerve-related pain. Providers who specialize in women’s health use this examination to gather detailed insights, which allows them to build a personalized care plan tailored to your individual symptoms and sexual health goals. This approach ensures that the treatment directly addresses the root of the problem and supports long-term relief.

Deep pelvic pain during intercourse—often felt during deeper penetration—can be linked to several underlying health conditions. These include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), complications from past pelvic surgeries, and even issues involving the pelvic floor muscles. For individuals in Richmond, VA experiencing this type of discomfort, it's crucial to consult a gynecologist who can conduct a thorough evaluation. Pinpointing the root cause enables your provider to recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs, helping you find meaningful relief.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the reproductive organs—such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries—that can lead to painful intercourse. When untreated, PID may result in long-term pelvic inflammation and scar tissue, which can cause ongoing discomfort during sex and may even impact fertility. Timely diagnosis and treatment by a qualified gynecologist can help resolve the infection, minimize pain, and reduce the risk of chronic complications. Addressing PID early is key to preserving reproductive health and improving your overall quality of life.

The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting internal organs and play a key role in sexual function. When these muscles become overly tense or are unable to relax properly, this can result in a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction. This dysfunction often leads to pain during intercourse due to muscle tightness and sensitivity. In some cases, the muscles themselves become tender over time due to sustained tension. Treatments that may help include pelvic floor physical therapy, medications aimed at muscle relaxation, and, in more complex cases, targeted pelvic floor trigger point injections. For patients in Richmond, VA dealing with muscle-related sexual pain, these options can restore function, reduce discomfort, and help reestablish comfort during intimacy.