Overview

Painful intercourse can happen for reasons that range from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many people have painful intercourse at some point in their lives.

The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh). It is lasting or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sex. Talk with your healthcare professional if you’re having painful intercourse. Treatments focus on the cause and can help stop or ease this common problem.

Symptoms

If you have painful intercourse, you might feel:

• Pain only at sexual entry, called penetration.
• Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon.
• Deep pain during thrusting.
• Burning pain or aching pain.
• Throbbing pain lasting hours after sex.

When to see a doctor

If you have recurrent pain during sex, talk with your healthcare professional. Treating the problem can help your sex life, your emotional intimacy and your self-image.

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