Pinching pain during sex: what to know

Deep pain may occur with endometriosis, an ovarian endometrioma, pelvic inflammatory disease or another pelvic problem. Pain at the entrance can be associated with vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus or genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These conditions do not explain every episode of pain, and examination is needed to separate them. More detail is available in [Pain During Sex](/symptoms/pain-during-sex/).

Stop or change activity when pain begins rather than pushing through it. Allow more time for arousal, use a suitable lubricant and choose positions that let you control depth. Avoid fragranced washes and check for soreness, discharge or bleeding. Make an appointment if the pain repeats, affects intimacy or occurs with other symptoms; treatment may involve addressing dryness, infection, muscles or a specific pelvic condition.

Seek prompt care for severe or sudden pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, faintness, heavy bleeding, new sores or unusual discharge. If pregnancy is possible, urgent assessment is needed for one-sided pain or bleeding. Recurrent deep pain should also be evaluated, particularly when periods are painful or symptoms are worsening. Treatment for a confirmed cause may include specialist care such as [Laparoscopic Excision of Endometriosis](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/laparoscopic-excision-of-endometriosis/).

Ask whether the pain is superficial or deep, whether an examination or scan is appropriate, how dryness or muscle tension could contribute, and which warning symptoms require urgent help.