Does dyspareunia pain vary with menstrual cycle?
Yes, dyspareunia pain can fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, often worsening around ovulation or menstruation due to hormonal and tissue changes.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle affect vaginal lubrication, tissue sensitivity, and pelvic congestion. For example, pain may increase during ovulation (due to ovarian cysts or endometriosis) or around menstruation (from pelvic congestion or inflammation). Some conditions, like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, show distinct cycle-related pain. NHS: Endometriosis.
Clinical Context
Keeping a diary of pain in relation to your cycle helps clinicians identify patterns and potential underlying causes, leading to more targeted treatment.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NICE and NHS recommend cycle-based assessment for all women with fluctuating symptoms, especially where endometriosis or ovarian cysts are suspected. NHS: Endometriosis.