Pain in the right abdomen during sex

Possible causes include pelvic floor muscle tension, endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, ovarian endometrioma, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Vaginal dryness and fragile tissues related to genitourinary syndrome of menopause can make sex painful. Lichen sclerosus or vulvodynia usually affect vulval or entrance pain, while deeper right-sided pain points clinicians toward pelvic or abdominal causes. Pain during sex is a common presentation of endometriosis, but the symptom alone cannot diagnose it.

Pause when pain begins and try positions that allow you to control depth. A suitable lubricant may reduce friction when dryness contributes. Keep a brief record of timing, cycle phase, position, bowel or bladder symptoms, bleeding, discharge, and pain after sex. Arrange a gynaecology review if it returns, interferes with intimacy, or occurs with abnormal bleeding or discharge. Evaluation may include an examination and, when appropriate, imaging or infection tests.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe one-sided pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever with vomiting, or pain when pregnancy is possible. These symptoms can signal an urgent pelvic or pregnancy-related problem. Seek prompt care for fever, new discharge, bleeding after sex, or worsening pain.

Is the pain deep or at the entrance, and what causes should we assess first? Do I need tests for infection or an ovarian problem? Could pelvic floor therapy help?