Which condition is characterized by painful intercourse and atrophic squamous epithelial cells?

The condition characterized by painful intercourse and atrophic squamous epithelial cells is atrophic vaginitis. This condition often occurs in postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels, which leads to thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls. The term "atrophic" refers to this thinning of the tissue, and it often results in dryness and discomfort during intercourse, a hallmark of this condition.

Atrophic vaginitis is typically diagnosed through clinical history and examination, during which atrophic squamous epithelial cells can be observed on a vaginal cytology sample. The loss of estrogen not only causes these symptoms but also changes the cellular composition of the vaginal epithelium, emphasizing the importance of estrogen in maintaining vaginal health.

Understanding the symptoms and associated cellular changes is crucial for recognizing this condition within the context of women's health, especially for those in the postmenopausal demographic. This is why atrophic vaginitis is the correct choice for this question.