Pain during sexual intercourse is more common than many people realize, especially among women. While the experience can feel isolating or concerning, it’s important to know that painful sex is not something you need to just “live with.” Understanding the causes of pain during sex can help you take steps toward relief and reclaiming your comfort and intimacy.

Common Causes of Pain During Sex

Painful sex, medically known as dyspareunia, can happen before, during, or after intercourse. The pain may be sharp, burning, aching, or throbbing, and it may occur at the vaginal opening or deeper within the pelvis. Because causes vary, a thorough evaluation by a women’s health specialist at Riverwalk Women’s Health is important. With this in mind, the following are 8 causes of pain during sex.

1. Vaginal Dryness

Lack of natural lubrication is one of the most frequent causes of pain during sex. It may be triggered by hormonal changes such as menopause, postpartum, or breastfeeding. Certain medications like birth control pills or antidepressants, and stress are also culprits.

2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension

Tight or spasming pelvic floor muscles often related to stress, anxiety, childbirth, or chronic pelvic pain, can make penetration painful. Causes of pelvic floor muscle tension include pregnancy and childbirth, chronic constipation, trauma or injury, just to name a few.

3. Vaginal or Pelvic Infections

Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all lead to painful intercourse, These are often accompanied by itching, burning, or discharge. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis causes uterine-like tissue to grow outside the uterus. As a result, it causes inflammation and pelvic pain that can worsen during intercourse. Pain with sex, bowel movement, periods, excessive bleeding, are just a few symptoms of edometrosis.

5. Vulvodynia

A chronic pain condition affecting the vulva, vulvodynia can cause burning or stinging during sexual activity without a clear medical cause. Pain may be constant or intermittent. Unfortunately, it is a common condition that affects 1 in 4 women.

6. Vaginismus

Involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles can make penetration extremely painful or even impossible. It is often linked to anxiety, trauma, or pelvic pain disorders. You may have vaginismus if you experience involuntary vaginal muscle contractions during attempted penetration.

7. Vaginal Atrophy (GSM)

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is common in women experiencing menopause. Thinner, less elastic vaginal tissue can cause dryness, burning, and discomfort during sex. Estrogen deficiency, and certain medications like aromatase inhibitors, causes vaginal atrophy.

8. Uterine or Ovarian Conditions

Fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all contribute to deep pelvic pain during sex. These conditions can also cause bloating, irregular bleeding and infertility, but many are manageable with treatment.

How Riverwalk Women’s Health in San Antonio, TX Can Help

At Riverwalk Women’s Health in San Antonio, Texas, we understand how sensitive and personal this issue can be. Our compassionate women’s health specialists are dedicated to identifying the causes of pain during sex and creating a personalized treatment plan to restore comfort and confidence.

We believe every woman deserves a fulfilling, pain-free intimate life, and we’re here to guide you toward better sexual health and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. The team at Riverwalk Women’s Health is here to listen, support, and help you find lasting solutions. Schedule your consultation

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