Dyspareunia: an integrated approach to assessment and diagnosis

Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is frequently referred to as the most common female sexual dysfunction. It can occur singly or be manifested in combination with other psychosexual disorders. Diagnosis of dyspareunia is appropriate in cases in which the experience of pain is persistent and severe. There has been little agreement concerning the origin of dyspareunia. Organic conditions and psychological variables have alternately been presented as major factors in causality. There is a presumed high incidence of physical disease associated with dyspareunia when compared with other female sexual dysfunctions. In the majority of cases, however, organic factors are thought to be rare in contrast with sexual issues and interpersonal or intrapsychic difficulties as a cause of continuing problems. The finding of an organic basis for dyspareunia does not rule out emotional or psychogenic causes. Thorough and extensive gynecologic and psychological evaluation is essential in cases of dyspareunia. The etiology of dyspareunia should be viewed on a continuum from primarily physical to primarily psychological with many women falling in the middle area.