title: Dyspareunia in women. Breaking the silence is the first step toward treatment.
abstract: Dyspareunia is a heterogeneous disorder that has a number of potentially overlapping causes. It can be a source of great conflict and anxiety for many women. The primary care physician who takes the time to obtain a complete and careful sexual history and perform a comprehensive physical examination can help the majority of these patients. When dysfunction is complicated or refractory to treatment, gynecologic and psychosocial consultation may be necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital, PA 17604-3555, USA. tpcanava@lha.org
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Canavan
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Heckman
mesh_terms: D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination