Pain felt by a woman during arousal or during or after sexual intercourse; also called dyspareunia. The pain may occur at the vaginal opening, in the vagina, or deeper in the pelvic cavity. Pain can arise from such problems as insufficient lubrication during sex; vaginismus (tightening of the muscles of the pelvic floor); infections of the organs and tissues of the reproductive system; endometriosis (a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus); or scar tissue from infections, childbirth, or surgery. Pain can also be caused by infections in the bladder or urethra.
Pain experienced during sexual activity, medically termed dyspareunia, can occur in both men and women. The discomfort can be either superficial, affecting the external genital area, or deep, felt inside the pelvis.
In men, surface-level pain can be attributed to anatomical issues like chordee, which results in a curved erection, or phimosis, where the foreskin is overly tight. Widespread pelvic discomfort, a burning feeling in the penis, or pain during ejaculation might be caused by prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland.
In women, pain can arise from factors such as scarring, possibly post-childbirth, or reduced vaginal lubrication, often seen after menopause. Psychosexual issues can also lead to painful intercourse. Vaginismus, where the vaginal muscles involuntarily contract, typically has psychological roots. Deep-seated pain often results from pelvic conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancies, or pelvic inflammatory disease from sexually transmitted infections. Ovarian issues, like cysts, and cervical disorders can also be culprits. Other potential causes of both deep and superficial pain include cystitis and urinary tract infections.
Treatment for painful intercourse focuses on addressing the root cause of the discomfort. When the pain stems from psychological reasons, specialized counseling might be recommended.