How to prepare for a video visit about Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse) - Triage

Audience: adult

Dyspareunia means pain during sexual intercourse. It can affect people of all ages and may have many causes, including infections, skin conditions, hormonal changes, or emotional factors. Preparing for a video visit about dyspareunia can help you share your symptoms clearly and get the best advice. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your pain, medical history, and other symptoms. They may suggest tests or treatments, or recommend an in-person visit if needed. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine appointment, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for dyspareunia, and know when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful first step but not a substitute for in-person care when serious issues arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that suddenly worsens — seek emergency care immediately.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding between periods — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• High fever with chills alongside pain — this may indicate infection needing urgent treatment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial discussion of symptoms and medical history related to dyspareunia.
• Providing general education about possible causes and treatment options.
• Guidance on self-care measures and when to seek further care.
• Referrals for lab tests or in-person examinations as needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical pelvic examinations or procedures.
• Diagnosing conditions that require laboratory or imaging tests without in-person visits.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms such as heavy bleeding or high fever.
• Prescribing certain medications that require physical assessment or monitoring.

What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is pain experienced during or after sexual intercourse. It can happen for many reasons, such as infections, dryness, muscle spasms, skin problems, or emotional stress. Both physical and emotional factors may play a role. Understanding your symptoms helps your healthcare provider find the cause and suggest treatment.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, private space with good internet connection. Have a list ready that includes:

Being ready helps your provider understand your situation better.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your pain and health history. They may guide you to describe or show affected areas carefully if comfortable. They might suggest tests such as lab work or imaging, which usually require an in-person visit. Based on the information, they will discuss possible causes and next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care or Emergency Help

Some symptoms need urgent attention and cannot be managed by telemedicine alone. Contact emergency services or visit a healthcare facility if you experience:

For other concerns, your provider may recommend an in-person exam to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Tips for Comfort and Privacy

Make sure you are in a comfortable position during the video call. Use headphones if you want extra privacy. Have a trusted person nearby if you feel nervous but only share what you are comfortable discussing. Remember, your provider is there to help without judgment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms including onset, location, and severity of pain.
• Note any other related symptoms like discharge, itching, or bleeding.
• Gather information on your medical history and current medications.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any self-care advice or medication instructions given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or exams promptly.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or if pain becomes severe.
• Keep a record of treatments tried and their effects to discuss in follow-up visits.
• Attend follow-up appointments as advised for ongoing care.

FAQs

What causes dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia can be caused by many factors including infections, vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, muscle spasms, skin conditions, or emotional stress. Sometimes more than one factor is involved.

Can telemedicine diagnose dyspareunia?

Telemedicine can help discuss your symptoms and medical history but often cannot replace a physical exam needed to diagnose the exact cause. Your provider may recommend an in-person visit for tests or examination.

What should I do if I have severe pain during intercourse?

If the pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by heavy bleeding or fever, seek emergency medical care immediately. For less severe pain, schedule a telemedicine or in-person visit to discuss your symptoms.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about dyspareunia?

Prepare by finding a private space, listing your symptoms and medical history, noting any questions, and ensuring your device works well. Being ready helps your provider give better advice.

Is dyspareunia treatable?

Yes, many causes of dyspareunia can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, or other methods depending on the cause. Early evaluation helps find effective treatments.

Sources

1. Dyspareunia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sexual Health: Painful Intercourse — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Dyspareunia: Causes and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, or if you have concerns that require a physical examination, please seek care from a healthcare professional in person.