5 Causes of Pain During Sex (And How to Feel Better)

Sexual intercourse should be a source of pleasure. But for some women, pain during sex disrupts intimacy and impacts personal relationships. If you’ve been experiencing painful sex, here are five possible causes, along with suggestions for how to find relief.

Causes of Pain During Sex

Several different conditions or factors could make intercourse painful. These are some of the most common causes:

1. Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors that can lead to pain during sex, especially if they form near the cervix. If this is the cause of your painful intercourse, you may experience additional symptoms including heavy periods, back and or abdominal pain and bloating. Treating fibroids does not require surgery: you may also be a candidate for minimally invasive options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE treatment.)

• Endometriosis

With this condition, the tissue that lines your uterus grows elsewhere in your body. Some women with endometriosis experience painful sex because penetration irritates their tissue growths. If changing positions does not alleviate your discomfort, surgically removing endometrial tissue may provide relief.

• Menopause

After menopause, sex can become painful for women due to drops in their estrogen levels. If your healthcare provider approves this option, hormonal supplementation can make intimacy more comfortable for you.

• Vaginismus

With this condition, your vaginal muscles can tighten involuntarily, and that can cause you to experience pain during sex. Treatment can involve a combination of vaginal dilators, pelvic floor therapy and talk therapy as this condition is often related to past trauma.

• Vulvodynia

While we don’t know the exact cause of this condition, symptoms include chronic burning or stinging at the vaginal opening. Some women can find relief and make intercourse more comfortable with pain medication, physical therapy or nerve blocker medication.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience painful intercourse on more than one occasion, you should immediately discuss your concerns with a trusted healthcare provider. Receiving a timely diagnosis of the cause of pain during sex will help you return pleasure to your intimate relationships. And if fibroids are interfering with your sex life, request a consultation at the Dallas Fibroid Center to discuss your minimally invasive treatment options.