Pain during intercourse is a common issue that can be resolved. In fact, three in four women experience pain during sex at some point in their lives. Painful sex can be experienced as pelvic pain, vaginal pain, or pain in the labial or vulvar areas during sex. Pain may be experienced as deep pain, sharp pain, or a burning sensation. Whether your pain is mild or severe, if it is inhibiting you from you having sex, you should talk to your doctor. Painful intercourse can have a major impact on your life and your relationship with your partner, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Our double board-certified doctors are urogynecologists as well as OB/GYNs and have helped many women overcome painful sex and restore their sexual health. If you’re having painful intercourse, we can help you, too.

What Causes Pain During Sex?

Pain during sex can happen for a variety of reasons, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or a hormonal imbalance.

Common physical causes include:

• Infections – Such as yeast or urinary tract infections
• Vaginal dryness – From childbirth, menopause, breastfeeding, medications, or too little arousal before intercourse
• Vulvodynia – Pain centered in the vulva area
• Vaginitis – Inflammation of the vagina
• Vaginismus – Spontaneous tightening of the muscles of the vaginal wall
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – The tissues deep inside become badly inflamed
• Uterine fibroids – Non-cancerous growths on the uterus

The causes of pain during sex differ, depending on whether the pain occurs at entry or with deep thrusting.

Entry Pain

Pain during penetration can be associated with a range of factors, including:

• Not enough lubrication, which is often the result of not enough foreplay. It could also be a result of a drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth. Certain medications are also known to affect sexual desire, which can decrease lubrication.
• Injury or trauma
• Inflammation, infection, or skin disorder

Deep Pain

Deep pain typically occurs with deep penetration and might be worse in certain positions. Causes include:

• Certain illnesses and conditions – These include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, uterine fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, hemorrhoids, and ovarian cysts.
• Surgeries or medical treatments – These include scarring from pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy, can be a cause of painful sex. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause changes that can cause painful intercourse.

Symptoms of Painful Sex

Symptoms of pain related to sexual intercourse can occur when entry is attempted or during and/or immediately after sexual intercourse. The most common symptom is pain on entry, which may be described as a sharp or burning pain.

Other symptoms include:

• Feelings of muscle spasms
• Deep pain
• Pelvic cramping

How is it Diagnosed?

Typically, painful sex has a cause and once it’s identified, it’s likely treatable. Your doctor can diagnose the underlying cause with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Don’t let embarrassment stop you from answering truthfully. The physical examination could include checking your abdomen, pelvis, vagina, and uterus. Some women who have painful sex also have discomfort during a pelvic exam. If that’s the case, ask to stop the exam. If your doctor suspects certain causes, they might also recommend a pelvic ultrasound.

Treatment for Painful Sex at Vaginal Health Center

Sex shouldn’t hurt, and if it does, let us help you find a solution. If you experience painful sex or are looking for treatment options for gynecological conditions, our double board-certified physicians at Vaginal Health Center can help. Call 770.721.6060 or contact us online.