Why do I get pain during sex?

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Pain during sex is common - studies suggest a large share of women experience it at some point - and it has named, treatable causes, which is why accepting it is the wrong move. The causes split by where the pain sits. Pain at entry: dryness - the most common, driven by low arousal, breastfeeding or menopause-related low estrogen, some antidepressants, and antihistamines - vaginal infections like yeast or BV, skin conditions, and vaginismus, where the pelvic floor muscles involuntarily tighten. Deep pain: pelvic infections, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis - where deep pain during sex is a classic symptom - and pelvic floor problems after childbirth.

Where to start: lubricant solves the most common single cause, and a generous water-based one is the first experiment; more time on arousal before penetration; and treatment for any infection. Persistent pain deserves a proper look rather than self-management - a provider can examine, swab for infections, and assess the pelvic floor, and pelvic floor physiotherapy is genuinely effective for the muscle-tension causes.

When to be seen sooner: pain with abnormal bleeding, pain with a deep ache that also appears with your period or bowel movements - the endometriosis pattern - pain after a new partner plus discharge or fever, or pain that persists across weeks. None of these are things to endure.

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Why do I get pain during sex?

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