[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women\/","headline":"Painful Sex for Women: Causes, Treatments, and Talking to Your Doctor","name":"Painful Sex for Women: Causes, Treatments, and Talking to Your Doctor","description":"Painful sex is common, but that doesn't mean it's normal. If you frequently have pain during sex, there may be a medical reason. Here's when to see a doctor.","datePublished":"2021-12-10","dateModified":"2023-05-08","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Women's Health"],"wordCount":799,"keywords":["New Here - Sexual Health"],"articleBody":"If you have pain during sex, you\u2019re not alone, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. About 75% of all women have\u00a0pain during sex\u00a0at some point in their lives. Pain during sex even has a medical name: dyspareunia.While pain during sex\u00a0is common, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s normal. It can be a sign that something is wrong. Here are some problems that cause pain during sex \u2014 and the best treatment options.What Can Cause Pain During Sex?Many conditions can cause pain during sex. The intensity may range from mild discomfort to sharp pain during sex or even stomach pain during sex.Here are some of the most common reasons women feel pain during sex.Physical and medical problems that cause pain during sexMany medical conditions can make sex painful.Endometriosis. In this condition, tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus and results in pain during sex.Vaginal dryness. During\u00a0perimenopause and menopause, decreasing estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness.Medicines. Some medicines and other drugs can reduce sexual desire and natural lubrication.Childbirth. Women who\u2019ve had an\u00a0episiotomy or tearing during childbirth may have pain for months.Vulvar disorders, such as lichen sclerosus or vulvodynia, may cause painful sex upon insertion.Infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or\u00a0urinary tract infection.Relational and emotional reasons for pain during sexSometimes the problem has relational and emotional roots, such as:Not allowing enough time for a sexual response. Without enough time for foreplay, your body may not feel aroused enough for sex.Relationship problems. Psychological and emotional problems go hand in hand with sexual response.Worry over pain. If you\u2019re worried about pain, your vagina may tighten involuntarily. That can lead to a vicious cycle of more pain during sex.When Should I Talk to My Doctor About Painful Sex?Pain during sex is not normal. If you have painful sex on a regular basis, you should call your doctor and make an appointment.Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Painful SexTalking to your doctor about intimate pain can feel embarrassing. But rest assured your doctor has heard your questions before. Make an appointment with your ob-gyn rather than your primary care doctor.Some tips for talking to your doctor about pain during sex:Message your doctor first. Use the online portal before your appointment to give them a heads-up. The more information your doctor has in advance, the better.Bring your partner if they\u2019re willing.Don\u2019t wait until the end of the appointment to bring up the problem.Bring a list of your symptoms and questions.Don\u2019t leave anything out. It\u2019s your doctor\u2019s job to try to make you feel better, but they can\u2019t do that without all the facts.Remember that your doctor wants to help you. Part of their job is to ask questions about sex. So don\u2019t feel embarrassed talking about personal issues.Diagnosing and Treating the Cause of Painful SexYour doctor will want to diagnose and treat the exact cause of your pain, if possible.Diagnosing the cause of painful sexTo accurately diagnose the cause of painful sex, your doctor may do one or more of the following:Complete pelvic examPelvic ultrasoundDiagnostic laparoscopyUrine testYour doctor will also want to know about other medical conditions you may have. They will also ask about psychological factors that may affect how you feel about sex. (For example, do you have a history of sexual abuse?)Treating the cause of painful sexYour treatment will depend on what\u2019s causing your pain. It may be a mix of medicine and at-home remedies. Treatment might include:Medicine to make sex less painful.Sexual lubricants for dryness.A different type of birth control.Antibiotics for infection.Pelvic physical therapy.With the right treatment, you should be back on your way to a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship.Virtual Specialty Care Services for WomenStarting your care with a\u00a0video visit for endometriosis or vulvar disorders\u00a0in the UPMC Magee-Womens Virtual Care Center lets you connect from anywhere with an expert about your condition and treatment options.These video consultations provide expert specialty care to address pelvic pain, chronic vulvar and vaginal conditions like vulvodynia or vulvar pain, and the impact they can have on your quality of life.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 10, 2021, and was last reviewed on August 22, 2022.SourcesAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, When Sex Is Painful, LinkAmerican Academy of Family Physicians, Dyspareunia, LinkNHS, Why Does Sex Hurt? LinkThe North American Menopause Society, Pain With Penetration, LinkAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine, Why Does it Hurt When I Have Sex? Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Painful Sex for Women: Causes, Treatments, and Talking to Your Doctor","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/painful-sex-for-women\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]