What causes dyspareunia in teenage girls?
Dyspareunia in teenage girls can be caused by lack of lubrication, anxiety, vulvovaginal infections, congenital conditions, or trauma, and should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Detailed Medical Explanation
In teens, painful sex is often due to inadequate lubrication (often from lack of arousal or anxiety), thrush or other infections, or rarely congenital problems like imperforate hymen. Vaginal or vulval irritation from soaps or tight clothing can also play a role. Open discussion with a trusted healthcare professional is important to identify and treat the cause. NHS: Painful Sex.
Clinical Context
Teenagers experiencing sexual pain should be supported to seek care without fear of judgement. Privacy and confidentiality are respected by clinicians.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and Brook encourage safe sexual health education and early intervention for teenage dyspareunia. Brook: Sex & Relationships.