What is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during sex. You may experience discomfort in various ways; dyspareunia pain is often described as burning, cramping, sharp or throbbing. Along with painful intercourse, the condition can also cause discomfort when using a tampon.

Dyspareunia affects nearly 3 out of 4 women at some time in life, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Although the condition is common, you don’t have to manage your pain alone. You can find relief with treatment, including prescribed therapies and at-home remedies.

Types of dyspareunia

Your OBGYN may classify the pain you feel based on where it occurs and when it first developed. Types include:

  • Entry pain (introital or superficial dyspareunia): Felt in the vulva (the area outside your vagina) or entrance of the vagina
  • Deep pain (collision dyspareunia): Felt inside the vagina or in your uterus, bladder, pelvis or lower back
  • Primary dyspareunia: Pain that occurs the first time you have sex
  • Secondary dyspareunia: Pain that occurs after you’ve had pain-free sex
Woman standing in a window looking happy after receiving treatment for Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia symptoms

The primary symptom of dyspareunia is pain during intercourse, but you may experience the pain differently based on the type you have. Superficial dyspareunia causes pain upon entry, while deep dyspareunia pain may occur with deep penetration. While you may experience only superficial or deep dyspareunia, some people experience both.

While it’s most common to feel discomfort in your genitals and pelvis, you may also feel pain in the perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus).

When to see a doctor

If you’re experiencing discomfort during sex, talk to your OBGYN. Sex should not be painful, and even occasional pain can be treated effectively.

Pain during sex can also be a sign of underlying conditions, including infections, ovarian cysts and pelvic floor dysfunctions, so seeking treatment may help you find solutions to seemingly unrelated symptoms and health issues.

Causes of pain during intercourse

Painful intercourse can have a variety of causes, both physical and emotional. Medical conditions, structural problems in your pelvic organs and emotional factors can contribute to both types of dyspareunia.

In some cases, pain may occur due to an allergic reaction to douches, spermicides and feminine hygiene products or a poorly fitting diaphragm or cervical cap. You can address this by avoiding products that cause irritation or talking to your OBGYN about an alternative birth control method.

Superficial dyspareunia

Superficial dyspareunia may occur for the following reasons:

  • Changes related to menopause: Menopause can cause vaginal dryness, leading to painful intercourse.
  • Skin conditions: Conditions such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosis and psoriasis can cause inflammation in the vulva and lining of the vagina, which may be painful.
  • Vaginal health issues: Many conditions affecting the vagina can lead to pain upon entry, including Bartholin gland cysts (small lumps that can become painful), vaginitis (caused by bacteria, yeast or parasites) or vaginal stenosis (narrowing of the vagina, often related to surgery or radiation therapy).
  • Vaginal or uterine abnormalities present at birth: Structural problems with how the uterus or vagina forms can make sex painful.
  • Vulvodynia: Vulvodynia develops in the vulva, causing chronic pain that lasts three or more months and often occurs alongside dyspareunia.

How is dyspareunia diagnosed?

A medical evaluation for dyspareunia usually consists of:

Dyspareunia treatment

You have many options for treating sexual pain. The right treatment for you will depend on the cause of your discomfort. Often, treating the underlying health issue will alleviate your pain. In many cases, dyspareunia can benefit from conservative treatment options. Otherwise, you may need a surgical procedure to treat endometriosis, adenomyosis or ovarian cysts.

Lifestyle changes and at-home care

You can help reduce or manage pain during sex with some simple home care tips, including:

  • Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the vulva after sex
  • Setting aside a relaxing time for having sex
  • Taking a warm bath to ease inflammation
  • Trying sexual activities and positions that reduce pain
  • Using an over-the-counter water- or silicone-based lubricant for vaginal dryness

Additionally, maintaining good genital hygiene, practicing safe sex and attending regular medical check-ups can prevent genital and urinary infections that contribute to painful intercourse.

Find a specialized care for dyspareunia

If you’re experiencing painful intercourse, you can trust the women’s health team at Baylor Scott & White to provide compassionate, personalized care. Our services are available at several locations in North and Central Texas.

Frequently asked questions