ABSTRACT
This chapter explains painful intercourse for women. The etiological literature reviewed in this chapter is based on the old diagnoses of dyspareunia and vaginismus as there have yet to be studies on the etiology Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD). As dyspareunia and vaginismus are encompassed within GPPPD, the people can simply consider them to be different presentations of GPPPD. There are many physiological factors that can result in pain with intercourse. General relationship adjustment has not been linked to painful intercourse. There are many challenges in the treatment of GPPPD. Perhaps the greatest of these is the coordination of multiple health professionals in the treatment plan. Now that GPPPD is recognized primarily as a pain disorder that interferes with sex, we must ensure that the research and clinical effort remain systems-focused and not lose sight of the fact that, regardless of etiology, any disorder that involves sexuality is likely to be significantly influenced by intra-psychic, interpersonal and societal/cultural factors.
