Painful Sex Glossary

Dyspareunia

The clinical term for pain during or after sexual intercourse

Lubricant (Lubrication)

Used as a treatment for painful sex by reducing friction created when the penis enters the vagina. The application of lubricating gels or creams minimizes irritation upon penetration.

Painful Intercourse

Pain in the genital area or deep inside the pelvis during intercourse. This pain is often described similar to menstrual cramps, stretching or a sharp burning.

Painful Sexual Intercourse

See Painful Intercourse.

Painful Vulva

See Vulvodynia

Topical Creams

Ointment which is applied to irritated vaginal area(s). Used to minimize pain or irritation caused by sexual intercourse.

Vaginal Dilator

A cylindrical tool which is inserted into the vagina. It is used to gently stretch the vaginal muscles and reduce pain during intercourse.

Vaginal Suction Pump

This is a tool which provides suction to heighten sensitivity by increasing blood flow to the clitoris. May be recommended as a treatment for painful sex.

Vaginismus

A condition with which a woman is unable to comfortably get an object (ex: penis, finger, tampon) past the cervix opening, and into the vagina.Generally it involves an involuntary muscle spasm of the introitus.

Vaginismus Botox™ Treatment

Botox is used as a treatment for Vaginismus, by reducing tension in the vaginal muscles

Vibrators

A small device of variable shape, made to oscillate very rapidly. Often used by women in order to stimulate erogenous zones and produce orgasm.

Vulvar Vestibulitis

Also known as Vulvodynia, this is a condition in which the the vulvar area, the outer lips of the vagina, is irritated or painful.

Vulvodynia

Also known as Vulvar Vestibulitis, this is a condition in which the the vulvar area, the outer lips of the vagina, is irritated or painful.