Sexual Health · Sexual Pain
Abstract
Introduction
Dyspareunia has been traditionally divided into superficial (introital) dyspareunia and deep dyspareunia (pain with deep penetration). While deep dyspareunia can coexist with a variety of conditions, recent work in endometriosis has demonstrated that coexistence does not necessarily imply causation. Therefore, a reconsideration of the literature is required to clarify the pathophysiology of deep dyspareunia.
Aims
To review the pathophysiology of deep dyspareunia, and to propose future research priorities.
Methods
A narrative review after appraisal of published frameworks and literature search with the terms (dyspareunia AND endometriosis), (dyspareunia AND deep), (dyspareunia AND (pathophysiology OR etiology)).
Main Outcome Measures
Deep dyspareunia (present/absent or along a pain severity scale).
Results
The narrative review demonstrates potential etiologies for deep dyspareunia, including gynecologic-, urologic-, gastrointestinal-, nervous system-, psychological-, and musculoskeletal system-related disorders. These etiologies can be classified according to anatomic mechanism, such as contact with a tender pouch of Douglas, uterus-cervix, bladder, or pelvic floor, with deep penetration. Etiologies of deep dyspareunia can also be stratified into 4 categories, as previously proposed for endometriosis specifically, to personalize management: type I (primarily gynecologic), type II (nongynecologic comorbid conditions), type III (central sensitization and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder), and type IV (mixed). We also identified gaps in the literature, such as lack of a validated patient-reported questionnaire or an objective measurement tool for deep dyspareunia and clinical trials not powered for sexual outcomes.
Conclusion
We propose the following research priorities for deep dyspareunia: deep dyspareunia measurement tools, inclusion of the population avoiding intercourse due to deep dyspareunia, nongynecologic conditions in the generation of deep dyspareunia, exploration of sociocultural factors, clinical trials with adequate power for deep dyspareunia outcomes, partner variables, female sexual response, pathways between psychological factors and deep dyspareunia, and personalized approaches to deep dyspareunia. Orr N, Wahl K, Joannou A, et al. Deep Dyspareunia: Review of Pathophysiology and Proposed Future Research Priorities. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:3-17.
Topics
By this author
Uterine Surgery · Myomectomy
Outcomes Post-Laparoscopic Intervention for Accessory and Cavitated Uterine Masses: A Review and a Molecular Insight
Bedaiwy MA et al., 2025 · Gynecologic and obstetric investigation
Accessory and cavitated uterine masses (ACUM) are rare Mullerian anomalies, defined as an isolated accessory cavitated mass lined with endometrial epithelium. This article explores ACUM lesions from two aspects and integrates a case report of a successful laparoscopic-assisted intervention for ACUM in a 24-year-old woman with refractory dysmenorrhea with a review of current literature on laparoscopic surgical techniques. Unique to this case was the process of undergoing targeted genetic sequencing via the Find ITTM Panel Version 3.4 on the ACUM, looking for mutations in KRAS, PIK3CA, and FGFR2. A process that was inspired by recent reports that indicate that even normal endometrium can harbor cancer-associated mutations. A comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE and Embase was performed. Studies were selected if they explored laparoscopic surgery's impact on ACUM patients' outcomes related to fertility, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. From 160 articles identified, 25 full-text articles were analyzed with a total of 75 unique patients discussed. Dysmenorrhea was present in 100% of cases (n = 75/75), and laparoscopic resection improved patient symptoms in 84% (n = 63/75) of cases. The mass excised in the case was positive for somatic missense mutations in RET (R813W) and HRAS (G12S) genes, identified at low variant allele frequencies. These results demonstrated that laparoscopic surgical approaches are effective and frequently the first surgical approach chosen for the treatment of ACUM, but that techniques to treat these conditions are not standardized. This case is the first to demonstrate mutations in ACUM, suggesting a potential role for cancer-associated somatic mutations in their genesis. Future developments in this area may include sending more of these samples for genetic analysis, improving our understanding of how these lesions are formed, while also working to standardize how they are removed.
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Ohnut vs waitlist control for the self-management of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Wahl K et al., 2024 · Sexual medicine · Free full text on PubMed Central
Deep dyspareunia affects 50% of people with endometriosis. The Ohnut is a set of interlocking rings that fit over the penis/insertive object. One or more rings can be used to limit insertion depth and reduce deep dyspareunia. We conducted a pilot, parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the feasibility of the study design and the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the Ohnut. Participants were recruited from a tertiary center for endometriosis. Eligibility criteria were surgically confirmed endometriosis, age 19-49 years, monogamous sexual relationship with a partner willing to participate in the study, and no comorbid superficial dyspareunia, anxiety, or depression. Couples were randomized into an intervention group or a waitlist control group using a 1:1 allocation ratio. All couples had sex as normal during weeks 1 to 4 (baseline period), and couples in the intervention group used the Ohnut with sex during weeks 5 to 10 (intervention period) while controls had sex as normal. Patient participants used daily diaries to record sexual activity and deep dyspareunia score (0-10) for the 10-week study. Intervention group participants completed an acceptability questionnaire at the end of the study. The primary outcomes were feasibility of the study and acceptability of the Ohnut. We also assessed differences in deep dyspareunia scores in the participants who used the Ohnut compared to the control participants who did not. We recruited approximately 5 couples per month of active recruitment. Of 864 potentially eligible participants, we successfully contacted 44.7% (n = 386), of whom 8.0% (n = 31) consented, 64.8% (n = 250) were ineligible, and 27.2% (n = 105) declined. Thirty-one couples were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, and 17 couples completed the study. Intervention group couples used the Ohnut for an average of 72.4% (32.7%) of sexual encounters during the intervention period. The mean acceptability index score for the Ohnut was 0.83 (0.078) among patients and 0.83 (0.049) among partners (index between 0 and 1). After controlling for baseline deep dyspareunia, there was a significant difference in the intervention period mean deep dyspareunia scores between the control and intervention group (4.69 (2.44) vs 2.46 (1.82), P = .012). We identified preliminary evidence for the acceptability and efficacy of the Ohnut among both patients and partners, suggesting that the Ohnut may be a useful stand-alone or adjuvant management tool for endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. Strengths of this study were the "real-world" use of the Ohnut and data collection from both patients and partners. Limitations of the study design included the strict eligibility criteria that affected feasibility and generalizability. This pilot RCT indicated that the Ohnut may be an acceptable and effective intervention to reduce endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. We identified opportunities to improve design for a larger RCT. This clinical trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT04370444).
Guidelines by Clinical Area · Gynecologic Guidelines
Guideline No. 449: Diagnosis and Impact of Endometriosis - A Canadian Guideline
Singh SS et al., 2024 · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC
To provide a contemporary approach to the understanding of the impact and methods for the diagnosis of endometriosis in Canada. Individuals, families, communities, health care providers, and health care administrators who are affected by, care for patients with, or manage delivery of services for endometriosis. The diagnosis of endometriosis is facilitated by a detailed history, examination, and imaging tests with providers who are experienced in endometriosis care. Surgical evaluation with pathology confirms a diagnosis of endometriosis; however, it is not required for those whose diagnosis was confirmed with imaging. There is a need to address earlier recognition of endometriosis to facilitate timely access to care and support. Education directed at the public, affected individuals and families, health care providers, and health care administrators are essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. BENEFITS, HARMS, Increased awareness and education about the impact and approach to diagnosis may support timely access to care for patients and families affected by endometriosis. Earlier and appropriate care may support a reduced health care system burden; however, improved clinical evaluation may require initial investments. Each section was reviewed with a unique search strategy representative of the evidence available in the literature related to the area of focus. The literature searches for each section of this guideline are listed in Appendix A and include information from published systematic reviews described in the text. The recommendations were developed following two rounds of review by a national expert panel through an iterative 2-year consensus process. Further details on the process are shared in Appendix B. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix C (Table C1 for definitions and Table C2 for interpretations of strong and conditional recommendations). This guideline is intended to support health care providers and policymakers involved in the care of those impacted by endometriosis and the systems required to support them. Endometriosis impact and diagnosis updated guidelines for Canadian health care providers and policymakers. RECOMMENDATIONS.
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Acceptability, reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia: a cross-sectional study
MacLeod RGK et al., 2023 · The journal of sexual medicine
Approximately half of people with endometriosis experience deep dyspareunia; however, there is no means of objective self-testing of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability, test-retest reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for a self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. Participants were recruited from a tertiary endometriosis center. Inclusion criteria were: 19 to 49 years of age, self-reported deep dyspareunia of ≥4 of 10, and surgically confirmed endometriosis. Participants completed 2 self-assessments using the vaginal insert to self-assess tenderness at the right and left pelvic floor, bladder, cervix-uterus, and posterior cul-de-sac (vaginal fornix). The participants recorded tenderness at each pelvic site and completed a questionnaire regarding the acceptability of the vaginal insert to assess deep dyspareunia. Test-retest reliability was assessed by correlating the tenderness scores between the 2 assessment dates. Over a 4-week period, the participants also recorded deep dyspareunia severity at each penetrative vaginal sex encounter. Validity was assessed by correlating vaginal insert tenderness to deep dyspareunia severity, and also to tenderness reported on a prior gynecologic pelvic examination. The main outcome measures were the acceptability index score, tenderness (0-10) at each pelvic site, and prospective deep dyspareunia scores (0-10) over 4 weeks. There were 19 participants (mean age 34 ± 7 years) who completed the study. The majority identified as female (94.7%), heterosexual (89.5%), and white (89.5%). The median acceptability index score was 0.72 (interquartile range, 0.66-0.81). For test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.79 (P = .001) for the left pelvic floor, 0.82 (P < .001) for the right pelvic floor, 0.54 (P = .07) for the bladder, 0.89 (P < .001) for the cervix-uterus, and 0.77 (P = .003) for the cul-de-sac. The correlation between the highest self-assessed mean tenderness in each participant and self-reported deep dyspareunia over 4 weeks was r = 0.32, but correlations for each pelvic site varied significantly. Tenderness at each site on prior gynecologist pelvic exam was associated with higher self-assessed mean tenderness with the vaginal insert in each participant (effect sizes = 0.42-0.88). The vaginal insert is acceptable and reliable for the objective self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia, with initial evidence of validity. A strength was the inclusion of participants who were avoiding sexual activity and a limitation was the small sample size. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to further establish the validity of the vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia.
Related research
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: A Proposed Framework Based on Pain Mechanisms and Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder
Yong PJ, 2017 · Sexual medicine reviews
Endometriosis is a common chronic disease affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, with half of women with endometriosis experiencing deep dyspareunia. A review of research studies on endometriosis indicates a need for a validated question or questionnaire for deep dyspareunia. Moreover, placebo-controlled randomized trials have yet to demonstrate a clear benefit for traditional treatments of endometriosis for the outcome of deep dyspareunia. The reason some patients might not respond to traditional treatments is the multifactorial nature of deep dyspareunia in endometriosis, which can include comorbid conditions (eg, interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome) and central sensitization underlying genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder. In general, there is a lack of a framework that integrates these multifactorial causes to provide a standardized approach to deep dyspareunia in endometriosis. To propose a clinical framework for deep dyspareunia based on a synthesis of pain mechanisms with genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Narrative review after literature search with the terms (endometriosis AND dyspareunia) OR (dyspareunia AND deep) and after analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials. Deep dyspareunia presence or absence or deep dyspareunia severity on a numeric rating scale or visual analog scale. Four types of deep dyspareunia are proposed in women with endometriosis: type I that is directly due to endometriosis; type II that is related to a comorbid condition; type III in which genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder is primary; and type IV that is secondary to a combination of types I to III. Four types of deep dyspareunia in endometriosis are proposed, which can be used as a framework in research studies and in clinical practice. Research trials could phenotype or stratify patients by each type. The framework also could give rise to more personalized care for patients by targeting appropriate treatments to each deep dyspareunia type. Yong PJ. Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: A Proposed Framework Based on Pain Mechanisms and Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder. Sex Med Rev 2017;5:495-507.
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: Role of the Bladder and Pelvic Floor
Orr NL et al., 2018 · The journal of sexual medicine
The etiology of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia may include direct endometriosis-specific factors (eg, stage or invasiveness of disease) and/or indirect contributors such as bladder/pelvic floor dysfunction (eg, related to myofascial mechanisms or nervous system sensitization). This study aimed to determine whether bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome were associated with severity of deep dyspareunia in women with endometriosis, regardless of Stage (I/II vs III/IV) or other endometriosis-specific factors. Observational study from a prospective patient registry (January 2014 to December 2016) at a tertiary centre for endometriosis. Included were women aged 18 to 49 years who had surgical removal and histopathologic confirmation of endometriosis at the centre. Cases with Stage I/II vs Stage III/IV endometriosis were analyzed separately. Bivariate associations with the primary outcome (severity of deep dyspareunia) were tested for bladder/pelvic floor tenderness, painful bladder syndrome, as well as endometriosis-specific factors identified at the time of laparoscopic surgery (eg, deep infiltrating endometriosis) and demographic factors (eg, age). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was carried out to adjust for factors associated with the primary outcome. Primary outcome was severity of deep dyspareunia on an 11-point numeric rating scale, categorized as none/mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10), from a preoperative self-reported questionnaire. Overall, 411 women had surgically confirmed endometriosis: 263 had Stage I/II and 148 had Stage III/IV endometriosis. Among women with Stage I/II endometriosis, severity of deep dyspareunia was associated with both bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.11-3.38, P = .019 and AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.15-3.44, P = .013, respectively), independent of endometriosis-specific factors or other factors associated with deep dyspareunia severity. Similar associations were found in women with Stage III/IV endometriosis (bladder/pelvic floor tenderness AOR =2.51, 95% CI: 1.25-5.02, P = .01, painful bladder syndrome: AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.57, P = .048). Myofascial or nervous system mechanisms may be important for deep dyspareunia in women with endometriosis, even in those with moderate-to-severe disease (Stage III/IV). Strengths include the prospective registry, and histological confirmation of endometriosis and staging by experienced endometriosis surgeons. Limitations include assessment of only one pelvic floor muscle (levator ani). In women with Stage I/II or Stage III/IV endometriosis, severity of deep dyspareunia was strongly associated with bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome, independent of endometriosis-specific factors, which suggests the role of myofascial or sensitization pain mechanisms in some women with deep dyspareunia. Orr NL, Noga H, Williams C, et al. Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: Role of the Bladder and Pelvic Floor. J Sex Med 2018;15:1158-1166.
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Female Dyspareunia and the Relationship to Neurophysiologic Mechanisms: A Scoping Review
Cook E et al., 2026 · Journal of minimally invasive gynecology
This scoping review aims to evaluate recent studies that examine the relationship between dyspareunia and neurophysiologic factors, and to synthesize their results as it pertains to the development and treatment of introital/vulvar dyspareunia and deep dyspareunia A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed (NLM), Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science (Clarivate), Psycinfo (ProQuest), and Cochrane Library (Wiley) to find peer reviewed studies written in English published in 2000 or later that discussed how neurophysiology is related to dyspareunia. Search terms: dyspareunia; painful intercourse; genito-pelvic pain; penetration disorder; neuropsychology; central nervous system sensitization; neur; central sensitization. A total of 1101 studies were screened and 108 were included in the review. Abstract and full text screening were performed by 4 authors. Articles were also excluded if they did not include an objective diagnostic tool or objective treatment outcome of dyspareunia. We included original peer-reviewed published research in the form of randomized control trials, cohort studies, case control studies, case series of greater than 20 participants, and systematic reviews. Multiple study types were noted: 22 randomized control trials, 9 prospective cohort studies, 3 retrospective cohort studies, 30 case control, 16 case series, 17 cross-sectional, and 11 systematic reviews. Of these articles, 72 focused on introital/superficial dyspareunia, 23 focused on deep dyspareunia, and 13 on both. Data was synthesized in text and table format, separated by type of dyspareunia (introital vs deep) and either etiology/diagnosis or treatment. There are complex neurophysiologic mechanisms that influence both introital and deep dyspareunia, highlighting the roles of peripheral and central sensitization, nerve fiber density, and neuroplasticity in this condition. There are several promising treatments, including TENS, botulinum toxin A, physical therapy, and various multimodal approaches; but further research is needed to establish standardized therapeutic guidelines.
Sexual Pain · Dyspareunia
Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory
Orr NL et al., 2020 · The journal of sexual medicine
Deep dyspareunia, a common symptom in endometriosis, has previously been associated with bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness (BPFT), which suggests a role for central nervous system sensitization. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI, 0-100) is a validated self-reported scale for patients with central sensitization. The objective of this study was to phenotype deep dyspareunia using BPFT and the CSI. The methods included cross-sectional analysis from a prospective registry from January 2018 to June 2018 at a tertiary center for endometriosis (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02911090). Included were women aged 18-50 years with endometriosis (previously surgically diagnosed, current visualized endometrioma on ultrasound, or current palpable or visualized nodule on ultrasound), who were newly or re-referred to the center. Severity of deep dyspareunia was self-reported using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain imaginable), categorized as no or low deep dyspareunia (0-4) and high deep dyspareunia (5-10). We identified the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and presence of BPFT, where we hypothesized a central component of the sexual pain. This subgroup was compared with 2 other subgroups: no or low deep dyspareunia and high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT. The CSI was compared between the groups using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc testing (P < .05). The main outcome measure was the CSI score ranging from 0 to 100. Data from 163 women with endometriosis were analyzed. The mean age of this cohort was 36.4 ± 6.8 years, and the mean CSI score was 41.0 ± 18.6. 37 percent (61/163) had high deep dyspareunia and BPFT; 29% (47/163) had high deep dyspareunia and no BPFT; and 34% (55/163) had no or low deep dyspareunia. The CSI significantly differed between the 3 groups (analysis of variance: F = 22.4, P < .001). In post hoc testing, the CSI was higher in women with high deep dyspareunia and BPFT (51.3 ± 16.9), compared with women with no or low deep dyspareunia (30.9 ± 15.4, P < .001) and compared with women with high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT (39.4 ± 17.2, P = .001). The CSI could be used to classify and phenotype patients with endometriosis-associated sexual pain. Strengths include a prospective registry with integrated pain scores, validated questionnaires, and physical examination findings. Limitations include the lack of quantitative sensory testing for central sensitization. In women with endometriosis, the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness had a significantly higher score on the CSI than other subgroups, suggesting that this group may have a central component to their sexual pain. Orr NL, Wahl KJ,Noga H, et al. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020;17:761-770.
Sexual Health › Sexual Pain › Dyspareunia · General Gynecology › Pelvic Pain › Chronic Pelvic Pain
Natasha Orr, Kate Wahl, Angela Joannou, Dee Hartmann, Lisa Valle
N Orr, Catherine Wahl, Katherine Wahl, Kathryn Wahl, K Wahl, A Joannou, D Hartmann, L Valle
PMID 30928249 30928249 DOI 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.12.007 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.12.007 Orr et al. 2020, Orr 2020