• Vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication (for example, from insufficient foreplay or physical effects of Menopause)

• Vaginal infection

• Reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom 

• Guilt, inner conflict, or unresolved feelings regarding sex

• Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate

• Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products

• Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted diseases

• Urinary tract infections

• Endometriosis

• Vaginismus - involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles

• Sexual abuse or rape

• Anxiety or fear

The treatment, of course, depends upon the diagnosis regarding the underlying cause of the pain (for example, if vaginal dryness is the problem, a physician may recommend the use of lubricants; if an infection is the cause, the individual may be prescribed antibiotics).  It is notable, however, that dyspareunia can have psychological effects even when the root cause is a physical one. For example, ongoing dyspareunia can lead to depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties. Unfortunately, dyspareunia and other sexual disorders are often not diagnosed because women rarely seek medical assistance to discuss problems of sexuality.