Abdominal pain during intercourse

Pain near the vaginal entrance differs from deep lower-abdominal pain. Deep pain can be affected by position or penetration depth and may accompany endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic infection, bladder problems, or bowel symptoms.

Consider whether pain occurs at entry or deeper inside, during every encounter or only certain positions, and whether it continues afterwards. Vaginal dryness, discharge, bleeding after intercourse, fever, pain when passing urine, irregular periods, or a change in bowel habits can guide the assessment.

Pregnancy possibility also matters. Lower abdominal pain with bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or shoulder-tip pain in someone who could be pregnant requires urgent evaluation rather than waiting for another episode.

Stop if intercourse hurts. Allow more time for arousal, use a suitable lubricant, communicate about depth and pace, and try positions that let the person with pain control penetration. These measures may ease friction or position-related discomfort but do not treat infection or another underlying condition.

Arrange medical review when pain recurs, is getting stronger, or affects intimacy. Depending on symptoms, assessment may include pregnancy or infection testing, an abdominal or pelvic examination, and imaging. A pelvic-floor assessment may help when involuntary muscle tightening contributes.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, heavy bleeding, fever with worsening pain, repeated vomiting, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. Prompt testing is also needed when pain follows possible exposure to a sexually transmitted infection and comes with fever or unusual discharge.

Tell the clinician where pain begins, which positions affect it, and whether there is dryness, discharge, bleeding, urinary discomfort, or cycle-related pain. Ask what testing is suitable, whether contraception or medicines could contribute, and whether pelvic-floor therapy might be useful.