Painful sex during your period: what to know

Menstrual cramps can make the womb and surrounding pelvis more sensitive, while deeper penetration may increase pressure. Pain at the entrance can instead reflect irritation, dryness or infection. The pattern, depth and timing of pain help narrow the cause.

Recurring pain with periods or sex can occur with endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, an ovarian endometrioma or pelvic inflammatory disease. These conditions may also bring heavy bleeding, painful periods, discharge, fertility concerns or pain outside menstruation.

Choose whether to have sex based on comfort, use lubricant if friction contributes, and try positions that limit depth. Heat may ease cramps for some people. Keep a record of pain, bleeding, discharge, bowel symptoms and cycle timing.

See a clinician when pain repeats, limits intimacy or is not controlled by your usual measures. Depending on the pattern, they may discuss a pelvic examination, infection tests, ultrasound, or treatments such as the combined pill or hormonal coil.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, fever, vomiting, heavy bleeding, or feeling acutely unwell. Arrange prompt review for pain with unusual discharge, bleeding between periods, pain after sex, or possible pregnancy.

Ask what the location and timing suggest, whether infection or endometriosis should be considered, and which pain or bleeding treatments fit your health and pregnancy plans.