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"  There are a number of conditions that can befall our ladyparts, most of which have terrifying names like vulvar vestibulitis, dyspareunia, and vulvodynia. (Maybe it&amp;#039;s just me, but even just reading these terms kinda make my vagine hurt a little.)   However, there&amp;#039;s a new drug, being released this summer, which is supposed to combat one of these down-there ailments: Called Osphena, this estrogen-mimicking pill was made to relieve the symptoms of dyspareunia, otherwise known as painful sex.  Dyspareunia is typically caused by menopause when the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone. Basically, vaginal lining gets super thin and doesn&amp;#039;t lube up on its own as well, causing dryness, burning, even cracking (um, ouch), which then leads to super painful sex.  While the drug is specifically tailored to post-menopausal women, it&amp;#039;s being touted as an innovation in prescription meds for ladies\u2014somewhat like a female version of Viagra, a sexual revolution that will help cure a major sexual issue.  So what do you need to know? There&amp;#039;s some question as to whether a prescription pill is really needed\u2014or if Osphena really just a way for drug companies to capitalize on vaginal pain. (The Daily Beast reports that doctors employed as spokespeople for pharmaceutical companies claim that over 40 percent of women have vaginal dysfunction, which sounds questionable\u2014and fear-mongering.)   Because, while many women do report symptoms of dyspareunia and other painful sex conditions, there are a number of reasons why our bodies might not product enough lube or why sex can be painful (like stress or other emotional causes), which can be combatted without drugs.  All we know is this: It&amp;#039;s important to research and get the facts before going all gung-ho with any kind of vaginal treatment.  Want more from Natasha? Follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook. Photo: Getty Images  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a12640/osphena-for-dyspareunia/?src=rss>