Painful sexual intercourse. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Dyspareunia
Painful sexual intercourse
Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain during sexual intercourse that can affect both men and women.
It can have physical or psychological causes and requires comprehensive evaluation for proper treatment.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may ask when the concern began, whether it occurs in every situation, relevant health and medication history, stress or relationship context, and what feels comfortable. Physical examination or tests are guided by the history; they are not automatic.
Care may involve a medical review, treatment of a contributing condition, medicine review with the prescriber, counseling, or psychosexual therapy. Avoid changing a prescribed medicine without professional advice.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pain, injury, heavy bleeding, a concerning infection symptom, or another acute medical problem. Distressing thoughts of harming yourself need immediate support.
Symptoms
- Pain during penetration
- Deep pelvic pain
- Burning or aching sensations
- Avoidance of sexual activity
Possible causes
- Medical conditions
- Infections
- Hormonal changes
- Inadequate lubrication
- Psychological factors
- Endometriosis
Care and treatment options
- Medical treatment
- Hormone therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Couples counseling
Key points
- Affects 10-20% of women
- Can also affect men
- Multiple causes possible
- Treatment depends on cause
Preparing for a consultation
- When symptoms began and whether they are new or lifelong.
- Whether the concern occurs in every situation or only in some contexts.
- Current medicines, supplements, alcohol or substance use.
- Pain, illness, stress, trauma history you feel safe sharing, and your treatment goals.
Questions worth asking
- Is Dyspareunia the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Dyspareunia?
Painful sexual intercourse This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Dyspareunia?
A clinician may ask when the concern began, whether it occurs in every situation, relevant health and medication history, stress or relationship context, and what feels comfortable. Physical examination or tests are guided by the history; they are not automatic.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Medical treatment, Hormone therapy, Psychotherapy, Pelvic floor therapy. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Dyspareunia be checked urgently?
Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pain, injury, heavy bleeding, a concerning infection symptom, or another acute medical problem. Distressing thoughts of harming yourself need immediate support.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When symptoms began and whether they are new or lifelong. Whether the concern occurs in every situation or only in some contexts. Current medicines, supplements, alcohol or substance use. Pain, illness, stress, trauma history you feel safe sharing, and your treatment goals. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Dyspareunia can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.