What should you know about pain during sex in stomach?

Pain with deeper penetration can come from pelvic organs or irritated tissues, while burning at the entrance points more toward vulval or vaginal causes. Endometriosis commonly presents with deep pain during sex and may also cause painful periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease can present with lower abdominal pain during sex, discharge, fever, or bleeding. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause may cause dryness, burning, and soreness when lower oestrogen affects vaginal and urinary tissues. Constipation, bladder irritation, and abdominal muscle tension can also contribute.

Stop if pain develops and try positions with less depth only if they feel comfortable. Avoid perfumed washes and note the pain's exact location, quality, timing, menstrual relationship, bowel or urinary changes, discharge, and bleeding. Book a medical review when pain is recurrent, new, or changing. A clinician may use your history and examination to decide whether pregnancy testing, swabs, urine testing, or pelvic imaging is appropriate. Do not self-treat a suspected pelvic infection with leftover medicine.

Get urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, faintness, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, persistent vomiting, a rigid or very tender abdomen, or pain with possible pregnancy. Prompt assessment matters because abdominal, pelvic, and pregnancy-related emergencies can overlap in how they feel.

Is this pain more likely to be superficial or deep? Could my bowel, bladder, pelvic organs, or muscles be involved? Which tests would help distinguish infection from endometriosis or another cause?