Pain during sex happens to both males and females, regardless ofgender identity.
When sex hurts, it can cause anxiety and affect sexual pleasure.
This article explores some common reasons why sex could hurt for males.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
It also offers guidance for when to seek medical care.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
Why Does Sex Hurt for Males?
Infections such asherpesandgonorrheacan cause burning and itching if left untreated.
They can also cause sores, bumps, or blisters on the penis or anus.
The sooner you know if you’re infected, the sooner you could get treatment.
Early treatment can limit or prevent some effects of these infections.
Foreskin Problems
Uncircumcisedmales can develop tight foreskin, orphimosis.
This problem can usually be treated with an ointment.
In some cases, adult circumcision can address the problem.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Why Does Sex Hurt for Females?
In general, females are more prone to experiencepainful sexthan males.
Sometimes, a curved penis can cause painful erections or make sex difficult.
Some penises curve because of conditions like hypospadias.
That’s where the urethra opens away from the tip of the penis.
In some cases, a curve can develop over time.
One cause of this isPeyronie’s disease, which results in scar tissue forming in the penis.
Scars from previous traumas or infections can make sex painful, too.
Lesions and Growths
Sometimes a growth on the penis is what’s causing the pain.
Some cancers cause growths.
Cysts and lesions can also form on the penis or in the ducts and tubes that carry sperm.
Any of these growths can cause pain when you’re having sex or ejaculating.
Priapism
Most of the time, erections go away after sex.
However, sometimes a non-sexual erection lasts much longer than it normally would.
This condition is calledpriapism, and it is often painful.
Hypersensitivity
The penis can become very sensitive after orgasm and ejaculation.
A rare condition calledpudendal neuralgiaaffects a nerve in the pelvic region and may cause pain during sex as well.
Skin Disorders
Some skin conditions can lead to painful sex.
It’s important to see a healthcare professional you might talk to.
The right diagnosis and treatment can improve your health and your sex life.
Some conditions that cause this kind of pain can be serious.
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National Health Service.Tight foreskin (phimosis).
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.When sex is painful.
Waqar M, Omar K, Moubasher A, Brunckhorst O, Ahmed K.Painful ejaculation - an ignored symptom.Cureus.
2020;12(10):e11253.
doi:10.7759/cureus.11253
Muneer A, Alnajjar HM, Ralph D.Recent advances in the management of priapism.F1000Res.
2016;37(1):1-6.
Turley KR, Rowland DL.Evolving ideas about the male refractory period.BJU Int.
2013;112(4):442-52. doi:10.1111/bju.12011
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Pudendal neuralgia.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vulvovaginal health.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Postorgasmic illness syndrome.
