There are a number of potential causes of pain during sex.
Some of these causes are infections, such assexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Others are unrelated to sexual activity, such as endometriosis andovarian cysts.
Getty Images / Thomas Tolstrup
Trauma, as well as certain cancers,can also cause pain during sex.
In addition, there are sexual pain disorders, such asvulvodynia, that are less well understood.
Pain during sex may be the sign of a serious health problem.
Even if it isn’t, dealing with your pain can greatly improve your quality of life.
Pain during intercourse is also known as dyspareunia.
Some cause local swelling, irritation, ordischarge.
Others cause blisters or sores that are either inherently painful or can easily become infected and lead to pain.
However, medical causes of dyspareunia should usually be ruled out first.
Other types of pain, such as surface irritation, can also cause pain during sex.
However, skin infections and related pain may not always be considered in a sexual light.
However, it’s important to know that sexual pain is sometimes hard to diagnose.
This is particularly true for sexual pain resulting from something other than infection.
It may take time to figure out what is causing your pain.
You may need to visit one or more specialists.
Your primary care physician may or may not be involved in your diagnosis and treatment as well.
A therapist can help address anxiety and other concerns that may lead to sex becoming uncomfortable.
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Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - CDC fact sheet.
American Family Physician.Dyspareunia in women.
Luzzi G, Law L.A guide to sexual pain in men.Practitioner.
2005;249(1667):73, 75, 77 passim.
Urology Care Foundation.What are prostatitis and related chronic pelvic pain conditions?
Harvard Health Publishing.Interstitial cystitis.
