Etymed
dyspareunia
Definition
A condition characterized by painful intercourse
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents to the gynecology clinic complaining of severe pain during sexual intercourse that has been progressively worsening over the past 6 months. She reports that the pain is most intense during deep penetration and has begun to affect her intimate relationship. On examination, there is no obvious inflammation or lesions, but she appears anxious and reluctant to discuss the issue further.
Mnemonic
Dyspareunia = Dyspareunia = DYSfunctional intercourse (pain during sex)
These morphemes also unlock…
- dys- — bad; painful; difficult
- pareun/o — sexual intercourse [from para + eu + -un/o]
- -ia — condition; state