What should you know about pain during sex is called?

The term covers pain before, during, or after penetration. Entrance pain may feel like burning, stinging, cutting, or tightness and can relate to dryness, vulvodynia, skin inflammation, or pelvic-floor muscle tightening. Deep pain may feel like pressure, aching, or sharp discomfort and may be linked with endometriosis, an ovarian endometrioma, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other pelvic conditions. The word names the experience; it does not identify which condition is responsible.

Tell the clinician whether pain occurs with initial touch, deeper movement, or afterward. Mention whether it is burning or aching, one-sided or central, new or longstanding, and linked with periods, dryness, discharge, bleeding, urinary symptoms, or bowel symptoms. Stop activity that hurts and use communication and comfortable changes rather than trying to tolerate pain. An assessment may include a gentle examination and targeted tests. If endometriosis is confirmed, treatment options can include medical care and, for selected cases, laparoscopic excision of endometriosis.

Arrange prompt care for new persistent pain, pain with fever or unusual discharge, bleeding after sex that recurs, or symptoms that interfere with daily life. Seek urgent help for severe sudden pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding.

Is my pain superficial, deep, or mixed? What conditions fit the pattern I describe? What examination, tests, or treatment options are appropriate?