What is dyspareunia and how can one treat it?

Pain during or after sexual intercourse is known as dyspareunia. Although this problem can affect men, it is much more common in women. Women with dyspareunia may have pain in the vagina, clitoris or labia. Common causes include vaginal dryness, atrophic vaginitis (a condition causing thinning of the vaginal lining in postmenopausal women), infection, and psychological trauma. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A woman can ease penetration and sexual intercourse with increased clitoral stimulation before intercourse or lubrication with an over-the-counter lubricant.