In the United States, up to 20% of women could be affected by dyspareunia, which is recurring or persistent pain when having sex that results in feelings of distress. Sex should never feel painful, yet many women experience discomfort or even severe pain during intercourse at some point in their lives.
This problem can significantly affect intimacy, confidence, and emotional well-being. At Dunwoody OBGYN in Dunwoody, Georgia, we encourage patients to speak openly about sexual health concerns because painful intercourse is common, treatable, and nothing to feel embarrassed about.
Knowing when to seek care is the first step toward feeling better, as we explain below.
Pain during sex can feel different for each person. Some women notice pain at the vaginal opening, while others feel deeper pelvic pain during penetration or thrusting. The pain may feel sharp, burning, aching, or like pressure.
It may happen every time you have sex or only in certain positions. Some women experience pain only at the start of intercourse, while others feel it afterward. Any ongoing or recurring pain is a sign that something needs attention.
There are many possible reasons sex can hurt. Some are temporary, while others require medical treatment. Here’s our guide to the most common problems:
Hormonal changes from menopause, breastfeeding, birth control, or certain medications can reduce natural lubrication. Dryness makes intercourse uncomfortable and can cause burning or tearing sensations.
Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can all cause pain during sex. These conditions often come with other symptoms, such as itching, discharge, or an unpleasant odor.
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles can make penetration painful. Pelvic floor tension may develop after childbirth, surgery, trauma, or long-term stress.
Conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can cause deep pelvic pain during or after intercourse. Pain may worsen around menstrual cycles.
Skin disorders, irritation, or allergic reactions can affect sensitive vulval or vaginal tissue and lead to pain during sexual activity.
Emotional health plays a critical role in physical comfort. Stress, anxiety, past trauma, and relationship concerns can all affect how your body responds during intimacy.
Occasional discomfort may be something you can identify and correct yourself, but don’t ignore pain or persistent symptoms. You should schedule an appointment if:
Early evaluation helps identify the cause and prevents symptoms from becoming more severe.
Many women worry about talking to their doctor about painful sex, but gynecologists discuss these concerns every day.
The visit usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, menstrual cycle, medications, and sexual health. You might need a pelvic exam to check for infection, inflammation, muscle tension, or structural concerns.
In some cases, we recommend additional testing or diagnostic imaging to help clarify the cause. We always listen carefully, identify the issues, and use a personalized approach to resolving your discomfort.
The treatment we recommend to each patient varies depending on the underlying cause of painful intercourse, but options include:
Often, a combination of treatments works best, and many women quickly feel relief once they receive the right care.
Painful intercourse isn’t something you should push through or accept as normal; your body is telling you that something needs attention. With proper evaluation and care, most women can return to comfortable, enjoyable intimacy.
If you’re experiencing pain during sex, a gynecologic evaluation can provide clarity, reassurance, and effective solutions. Addressing concerns early helps protect both your physical health and emotional well-being, so call Dunwoody OBGYN today to schedule a consultation or send us an inquiry using the form on our Contact Us page.
