Stomach pain during sex

Pain at the entrance may relate to dryness, irritated skin, pelvic-floor tightening, lichen sclerosus, or vulvodynia. Deeper pain may come from the uterus, ovaries, bowel, bladder, or pelvic lining. Endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and pelvic inflammatory disease can present with pain during or after sex. Around menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause can cause dryness, burning, and deeper discomfort.

Describe whether the pain is superficial or deep, sudden or gradual, and linked with a position, penetration, orgasm, periods, discharge, bleeding, or urinary symptoms. This pattern helps guide an examination and possible infection testing or ultrasound.

Stop or change activity when pain starts; you do not need to push through it. Allow more time for arousal, use a suitable lubricant, and choose positions that control depth. Avoid fragranced washes and products that sting. Arrange a medical review if pain returns, causes anxiety, affects intimacy, or comes with discharge, bleeding, urinary symptoms, or period-related pain.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Prompt assessment is also needed for pain with possible pregnancy. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask whether the pain pattern suggests infection, dryness, endometriosis, or pelvic-floor involvement. Ask what examination or tests are needed, which lubricants are suitable, and whether pelvic-floor therapy or specialist care could help.