Dyspareunia: a symptom of female sexual dysfunction.

Dyspareunia is one of the most common sexual symptoms that carries wide-ranging potential foor emotional and physical pain. Informed therapeutic intervention can be useful in helping a person with sexual problems. Organic causes underlying dyspareunia are usually temporary and easily correctable. They are rare as a cause of a continuing problem, compared to issues of intrapersonal and interpersonal conflict. One of the keys to achieving a satisfying relationship on an adult-to-adult basis requires that each partner assume responsibility for his/her own sexual pleasure. The woman who withdraws into the assumption that she has an organic problem in the absence of abnormal findings, or that her partner or therapist must find a solution, abdicates responsibility for her own sexual pleasure. Although few of us will be therapists in the sense that the role is generally understood, indentifying and responding to sexual concerns of patients is part of the professional's commitment. Ultimately, our goal is the same for any problem of human development-- to facilitate the realization of the potentialities of the person.