Menopause can be a frustrating time in a woman’s life, dealing with symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty focusing, and vaginal dryness. Menopause is marked by 12 months since the last menstruation, and brings about a change in hormones. The ovaries have stopped producing estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to dyspareunia. Dyspareunia is a recurrent or persistent pain during sexual intercourse that mostly affects women.

The reasons for this condition can be physical or psychological, but there are medical treatments that can help, including the following:

1. Medications
Medications are required to treat the pain or infections associated with this condition. Topical estrogen is recommended to reduce vaginal dryness and discomfort. Ospemifene is widely prescribed to treat moderate to extreme dyspareunia in menopause and this has been approved by the FDA. Moreover, antifungal medications are also prescribed to treat yeast infections. In the case of severe infections associated with this condition, antibiotics could be prescribed for a while.

Medications include treating the skin infections around the private organ and most of them are steroid creams. In some cases, the doctor would prescribe low dose pain medications to ease the muscle spasms in the pelvic region. Estrogen therapy is also considered and it could be either a pill or a kind of formulation. Surgeries could also be recommended by the doctor when dyspareunia in menopause has been caused by endometriosis. Hormone therapy may also be recommended by the doctor to balance estrogen levels. In case of uterine fibroids, surgery could be also suggested.

2. Behavioral therapy
In the case of painful spasms in the vaginal muscles, behavioral therapy is widely suggested by the doctor and this could be also clubbed with vaginal relaxation exercises. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery is also performed to correct vaginal strictures. This could be followed by pelvic surgery and radiation. In case the situation is recurrent, the doctor may ask both the partners to test for STDs. When getting treated, look for a proficient gynecologist, urologist, and a behavioral health specialist to evaluate the overall condition and suggest the best solution. Also, as precaution, refrain from using any perfumed soaps, vaginal perfumes, bubble baths, scented toilet paper, and synthetic intimates.

3. Counseling
Counseling is a must to treat dyspareunia in menopause and applies to both the partners. Psychotherapy can help deal with the pain. The whole idea is to reduce anxiety and help them speak up about what they are experiencing. Counseling also helps in establishing and improving communication with your partner to maintain intimate relations. This is where cognitive behavioral therapy can help to cope up with the issue.

No matter which treatment you opt for, ensure you ask for certain relevant information, such as the cause, lifestyle changes, treatment options, and other information.