What should you know about pain during sexual intercourse?

Pain at the entrance may relate to dryness, irritated skin, infection, involuntary pelvic-floor tightening, or Vulvodynia. Deep pain may be linked with Endometriosis, an ovarian endometrioma, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Lichen Sclerosus can affect the external skin, and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can cause dryness and tenderness after hormonal changes. A breast, pelvic, or genital symptom does not by itself prove a particular condition; the pattern and examination matter.

Tell the clinician whether pain occurs on entry or with deeper movement, whether it is burning or cramping, and whether there is bleeding, discharge, fever, urinary discomfort, or pain outside sex.

Stop when pain appears, use enough lubricant, and choose positions or activities that allow you to control depth and pace. Avoid perfumed products around the vulva. Book an appointment when pain repeats, changes, or affects your relationship or sexual wellbeing. A clinician may check the skin, pelvic floor, cervix, and signs of infection; treatment is chosen for the cause. Some people need pelvic-floor therapy, local tissue treatment, infection treatment, or evaluation for Endometriosis. Laparoscopic Excision of Endometriosis is one treatment page you can discuss only if that diagnosis is confirmed.

Get urgent help for intense or sudden pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever with pelvic pain, or repeated vomiting. Arrange prompt assessment for bleeding after intercourse, new genital sores, marked swelling, or pain when pregnancy is possible. Do not wait for repeated intercourse if you feel seriously unwell.

Ask whether the pain is superficial or deep, whether an infection test is needed, and whether pelvic-floor tension or dryness could be contributing. You can also ask what symptoms would point toward Endometriosis, an endometrioma, or another pelvic condition, and which treatments can protect comfort during recovery.