Pain experienced during sexual activity. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Sexual Pain Disorders
Pain experienced during sexual activity
Sexual pain disorders include conditions like dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms).
These conditions can significantly impact sexual function and relationships, but are treatable with proper care.
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
- Burning or aching sensations
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety about sexual activity
Possible causes
- Medical conditions
- Infections
- Hormonal changes
- Psychological factors
- Past trauma
- Inadequate lubrication
Care and treatment options
- Medical evaluation
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Dilator therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Couples counseling
Key points
- Affects 10-20% of women
- Can occur at any age
- Often has multiple causes
- Treatment is highly effective
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 Sexual Pain Disorders 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 Sexual Pain Disorders?
Pain experienced during sexual activity This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Sexual Pain Disorders?
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 evaluation, Pelvic floor therapy, Dilator therapy, Psychotherapy. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Sexual Pain Disorders 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 Sexual Pain Disorders 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.