Sexual intercourse - painful

Alternative names

Painful sexual intercourse; Dyspareunia

Definition

For both men and women, pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sex - for example, at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation. Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity.

The medical term for this is dyspareunia.

Common Causes

• Intercourse too soon after surgery or child birth
  
• Vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication (for example, from insufficient foreplay)
  
• Menopause (vaginal lining loses its normal moisture and becomes dry)
  
• Vaginal infection
  
• Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate
  
• Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products
  
• Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted diseases
  
• Urinary tract infections
  
• Endometriosis
  
• Vaginismus - involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles; this may be a result of ongoing painful intercourse as well as a cause
  
• Misfit diaphragm or reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom
  
• Sexual abuse or rape
  
• Hemorrhoids
  
• Certain medications
  

Home Care

For painful intercourse in women after pregnancy:

• Wait at least 6 weeks after childbirth before resuming sexual relations.
  
• Be gentle and patient.
  

For vaginal dryness/inadequate lubrication:

• Try water-based lubricants.
  
• If you are going through menopause and lubricants don't work, talk to your doctor about estrogen creams or other prescription medications.
  

For painful intercourse caused by prostatitis:

• Soak in a warm bath.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  
• Take antibiotics as prescribed.
  

For hemorrhoids, try stool softeners. Antibiotics may be required for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or vaginal infections.