Sexual intercourse - painful Health Article

Definition

For both men and women, pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sex -- for example, at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation. Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity.

The medical term for this is dyspareunia.

Alternative Names

Painful sexual intercourse; Dyspareunia

Common Causes

• Intercourse too soon after surgery or child birth
• Vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication (for example, from insufficient foreplay)
• Menopause (vaginal lining loses its normal moisture and becomes dry)
• Vaginal infection
• Reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom 
• Prostatitis -- inflammation of the prostate
• Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products
• Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted diseases
• Urinary tract infections
• Endometriosis
• Vaginismus -- involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles; this may be a result of ongoing painful intercourse as well as a cause
• Ill fitting diaphragm
• Sexual abuse or rape
• Hemorrhoids
• Certain medications

Home Care

For painful intercourse in women after pregnancy:

• Wait at least 6 weeks after childbirth before resuming sexual relations.
• Be gentle and patient.

For vaginal dryness/inadequate lubrication:

• Try water-based lubricants.
• If you are going through menopause and lubricants don't work, talk to your doctor about estrogen creams or other prescription medications.

For painful intercourse caused by prostatitis:

• Soak in a warm bath.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed.

For hemorrhoids, try stool softeners. Antibiotics may be required for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or vaginal infections.

Other causes of painful intercourse may require prescription medications or, rarely, surgery.

Sex therapy may be helpful, especially if no underlying medical cause is identified. Guilt, inner conflict, or unresolved feelings about past abuse may be involved which need to be worked through in therapy. It may be best for your partner to see the therapist with you.