Diagnosis
The most important step in the diagnosis of pain during intercourse is the detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis). The pain is embarrassing for most of the affected patients. For this reason, sensitivity is required during the detailed doctor-patient conversation.
In order to be able to complete the diagnosis promptly and initiate appropriate treatment, the doctor’s questions, even if they are unpleasant, should be answered truthfully. In particular, the question as to when the pain started during sexual intercourse plays a decisive role in this context. It should also be clarified whether the pain occurs during intercourse or immediately after intercourse, regularly or only occasionally.
Possible accompanying symptoms (e.g. increased discharge, rash, pain when urinating or fever) can also provide an initial indication of the underlying disease. Following this doctor-patient consultation, an orienting physical examination usually takes place. During this examination, the abdomen is first examined for abnormalities.
During the inspection, the doctor pays particular attention to skin symptoms, swelling and scars. In addition, the genital region of the affected patient must be examined for abnormalities. In women, if a woman suffers from pain during the act of love, a gynecological examination follows.
The gynecologist examines both the external and internal genital organs. In addition, during the examination, smears of vaginal secretions are taken and then examined in a special laboratory. In addition, an ultrasound examination of the internal sexual organs can help to rule out an organic cause for the pain.
Any conspicuous findings in the area of the genital organs should be clarified in more detail with the help of a sample collection (biopsy). Depending on the suspected cause of the pain, a urine and/or blood test may also be useful. For men An examination of the genital region must also be performed for men who suffer from pain during sexual intercourse.
During this examination, the external genital organs and the adjacent body regions (for example the groin area) are examined for signs of skin, swelling or deformation. In addition, a rectal examination should be performed to assess the prostate. In addition, swabs should be secured during the male examination to detect the pathogen and sent to a special laboratory. An ultrasound examination of the limb and the urinary tract can also be useful in cases of persistent pain. In addition, imaging procedures (e.g. computer tomography) can be useful in some cases.
