Dyspareunia refers to the medical term for pain during sex. It can occur before, during, or after sexual activity. Women report this pain more than men.

According to source information, approximately 75% of women report pain during sex at some point in their lives. The source reports pain during sex as symptomatic of vaginal atrophy, infection, or other vaginal or pelvic pathology.

No woman should be expected to tolerate pain during sex. Sex without pain is a right women should not be expected to forfeit.

What Causes Pain During Sex for Women?

There are a host of reasons pain during sex occurs. Pain during sex may sometimes tell us something about what causes that pain.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness may be caused by low levels of estrogen. Lack of estrogen may cause the vaginal walls to lose some of their pliability and flexibility. When dry, the vaginal walls lose the ability to stretch. Friction during intercourse causes pain. Dryness may occur during menopause, after childbirth, and during breastfeeding. Certain medications, particularly allergy and antidepressant medications, may also contribute to vaginal dryness.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause pain during intercourse due to inflammation of genital tissues, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and scarring. Pain during intercourse may also be a result of genital herpes infection due to the presence of lesions and tissue irritation.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis may cause pain during sex due to tissue similar to the lining of the uterus which grows in areas outside the uterus. This causes inflammation, scarring and cysts. In women, it may cause pain during sex due to inflammation and deeper penetration.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are nonmalignant growths that develop in or near the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause pressure and pain as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse.

In particular, fibroids that grow near the cervix can worsen symptoms during sexual intercourse.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. Some remain asymptomatic whereas others produce pain in the lower abdominal or pelvic region.

The pain can become more noticeable during sexual intercourse.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is involuntary muscular contraction in the vaginal muscles, which makes sexual intercourse painful and difficult.

Because of the contraction muscles, penetration is very painful.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms of vaginitis include pain during sexual intercourse, itching, and irritation.

Vaginitis sometimes causes a discharge.

Appendage pain from vaginitis may be from a yeast infection or from bacteria.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is persistent pain in the vulva. Symptoms of vulvodynia include tenderness and burning pain, especially pain around the vagina.

Pain during vaginal intercourse is likely due to tenderness.

Vaginal Injury

Childbirth might cause a tear in the vagina or perineal area. Healing from an episiotomy is painful and tears cause discomfort, which sometimes makes penetration painful.

Women heal from perineal and vaginal tears.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects the female reproductive organs in the pelvis. PID is caused by bacterial vaginal infections that are not treated.

Some women have pain in their pelvis and during vaginal sex due to PID and other genital tract infections.

Skin Conditions

Vulvar skin conditions can cause cracking, ulcers, itching and burning. Therefore, sexual activity may be painful or become uncomfortable.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Bloating, abdominal cramps, and pelvic discomfort can occur with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some women may even feel deep pain during sex.

Alleviating the digestive symptoms to some extent may also reduce discomfort.

Chronic Back Pain

Persistent lower-back pain can adversely affect intercourse by limiting movement and pelvic comfort.

As a result, some women can experience or notice increased pain during sex.

Sexual Response Problems

A lack of arousal will cause discomfort during sex as there is no natural lubrication.

A host of other things can diminish arousal, such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, illness, sadness, and some medications.

Types of Pain During Sex

Painful intercourse is classified as either entry pain or deep pain.

Entry pain affects the skin of the vulva, vestibule, perineum, and the opening of the vagina. It can be caused by dryness, vulvodynia, vaginismus, infections or skin problems.

Deep pain affects the pelvis and can include the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, lower back, and pelvis. Deep pain can be caused by endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.

When to See a Doctor About Painful Sex

Painful sex that is infrequent may have easy to explain causes, but pain that is severe or happens regularly should be evaluated by a doctor.

A doctor may review your medical and sexual history and perform a pelvic exam. Based on your symptoms, an ultrasound may be ordered, or you may be referred to a gynecologist or another specialist.

Pain during Sex Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause. Infection treatment may include an appropriate course of antibiotics, and vaginal dryness caused by low estrogen may be treated with therapies prescribed by a health care professional.

Treatment for gynecologic conditions, including endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts, is specific to the diagnosis.

How Can I Reduce Pain During Sex?

Many things may help to a great degree.

Use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant
Allow time to get fully aroused before penetration.
Try non-penetrative sex.
Use a cool pack to soothe irritation after.
See a professional for long-lasting relief.

These measures may bring temporary relief, but you should still get evaluated for the underlying reasons for pain during sex.

Conclusion

Because there are several reasons pain during sex may exist, there is no single answer to what may be causing a woman to experience pain during sex. Vaginal dryness, infections, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, vaginismus, vulvodynia, injuries, and more may be contributing factors.

Pain during sex, while common, does not mean that it need be endured. persistent symptoms should be discussed with your doctor or OB-GYN. Treatment should be sought to alleviate the symptoms.