“Painful intercourse can occur for reasons that range from
structural problems to psychological concerns.
Many women have painful intercourse at some point…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Sexual Health and Painful Intercourse Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Dyspareunia
- Pain With Intercourse
- Painful Intercourse
- Painful Sex
- Painful Vaginal Intercourse
Dyspareunia
What is dyspareunia?
DotS the definition of dyspareunia may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:
“The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh), defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sex”.2
The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:
“Dyspareunia is the term used to describe pain before, during or after vaginal intercourse”.3
Symptoms
What may be symptoms of painful intercourse?
In Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the Mayo Clinic note:
- Pain only at sexual entry (penetration)
- Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon
- Deep pain during thrusting
- Burning pain or aching pain
- Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse”.4
Cause
What may cause painful intercourse?
The Mayo Clinic explain:
“Painful intercourse can occur for reasons that range from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many women have painful intercourse at some point in their lives”.5
In Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Causes the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:
- Entry Pain…
- Deep Pain…
- Emotional Factors…”.6
In Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): What Causes Dyspareunia? (+ Image) the JH elaborate on some physical and psychological causes of dyspareunia.
Who
Who can painful intercourse affect?
The JH explain:

“Pain with intercourse affects:
- Women of all ages, with young women the most likely to be affected
- Menopausal and postmenopausal women due to decreased elasticity of their vaginal walls, increased vaginal dryness and narrowing of the vaginal opening
- Women who have surgical menopause (removal of the ovaries because of medical reasons)”.7
Menopause
Is there an association between regular intercourse and menopause?
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva – Vulvovaginal Atrophy the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
“When a woman doesn’t have intercourse or other vaginal sexual activity on a regular basis following menopause, her vagina may also become shorter and narrower. Then, when she does try to have intercourse, she is likely to experience pain, even if she uses a lubricant. That’s because dry, fragile vulvovaginal tissues are susceptible to injury, tearing, and bleeding during intercourse or any penetration of the vagina. The resulting discomfort can be so great that the woman avoids intercourse and the condition worsens. Sometimes, even women who are not sexually active are bothered by vaginal dryness and the irritation that may accompany it”.8
What can regular intercourse do?
In Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause? the NAMS note:
“A. …Regular sexual activity can help preserve vaginal function by increasing blood flow to the genital region and helping maintain the size of the vagina. Without sexual activity and estrogen, the vagina can become smaller as well as dryer”.9
Prevention
How can painful intercourse be prevented?
The JH explain:
- Increase foreplay to increase natural lubrication
- Use oestrogen preparations if you are postmenopausal and it is appropriate
- Use water-based lubricants, or olive oil
- Practise safe sex to prevent the STIs which may cause dyspareunia”.10
The JH also note:
“If dyspareunia is not managed, it may result in a loss of sexual interest, mood changes and other psychological symptoms”.11
What is STIs?
STIs can be an abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
How may a pelvic floor physiotherapist help with painful intercourse?
In the video included in Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Management & Treatment a JH physiotherapist “explains what you can expect from an initial consultation with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, to make you more comfortable and better prepared”.12
Treatment
What are some treatment options for painful intercourse?
In Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Treatment options vary, depending on the cause of the pain”.
- Medications…
- Other treatments…
- Desensitization therapy…
- Counseling or sex therapy”.13
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Effective Treatments for Sexual Problems the NAMS elaborate on:
“Treatment for many sexual problems often combines medications or devices with counseling (sex therapy) and/or self-help measures. Rarely does one problem have a single solution that won’t benefit from other treatments or actions. It’s also not uncommon for a woman to experience more than one type of sexual dysfunction, and therapies often overlap among various sexual problems”.14
Health Care Provider
What if I have painful intercourse?
If you have painful intercourse, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH explain:
“If you are experiencing painful sex it is important to seek help from your doctor and receive appropriate treatment and/or management at the earliest time. Your doctor may refer you on to a psychologist or sex therapist. Seeking help early can also reduce the risk of further impact on your relationship”.15
The JH also note:
“Treatment programs rarely deliver instant results, so it may take some time for you to notice any changes. Meanwhile, focus on fulfilling your needs (and those of your partner, if you have one) in other ways. You can show your affection and be intimate without intercourse. Kissing, cuddling, massage, mutual masturbation and oral sex are all good alternatives and can expand your views on what makes a fulfilling sex life”.16
The Mayo Clinic explain:
“If you have recurrent pain during sex, talk to your health care provider. Treating the problem can help your sex life, your emotional intimacy and your self-image”.17
In Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic also note:
Also make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience painful intercourse that’s not resolved by using a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) or water-based lubricant (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others)”.18
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Sexual Health and Painful Intercourse?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Sexual Health and Painful Intercourse?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- Answering Frequently Asked Questions To Get You Where You Want To Be [Vaginismus]
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Can Oral Sex Give You Cancer?
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- Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
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- Endometriosis Symptoms: Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
- Female Genital Mutilation
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- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview – Treatment for FGM (Deinfibulation) [+ Video: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)]
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
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- International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
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- Lack of Sexual Desire and/or Arousal
- Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
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- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
- Menopause
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Ever since my periods stopped, my desire for sex has decreased. Is this normal?
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- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
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- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Diagnosis & Treatment
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- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Management & Treatment – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy [Video]
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): What Causes Dyspareunia?
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- Relationships
- Relationships: Relationships & Painful Sex
- Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [Video]
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- Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause
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- Sex Talk: Tips for Better Conversations Around Sex & Sexuality
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- Sexual Advice Association [United Kingdom]
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- The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data
- The Menopause: Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After the Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
- The Menopause: Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
- The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
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- Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Atrophy
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Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
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- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
- Vulvodynia
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Pain: What Is Vulvodynia and How Does It Relate To Vulvovaginal Pain?
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues In Menopause
- What Is Normal Sex?
- What Is Vaginismus?
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- When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
- When Sex Is Painful
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- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
- Women’s Sexual Health Matters Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause – DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am in my late 50s and have recently found that sex is becoming quite uncomfortable. I am assuming this is because I’m past menopause, but what’s the best way to make sex less painful?
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
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Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): What Is Dyspareunia? Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Causes. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): What Is Dyspareunia? Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife – Changes In the Vagina and Vulva: Vulvovaginal Atrophy. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): How Can You Prevent Dyspareunia Occurring? Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): What Is Dyspareunia? Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Management & Treatment. Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 01 March 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375973 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Effective Treatments for Sexual Problems – Overview of Available Therapies for Sexual Problems: Pain During Sex. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Seeking Help. Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Expand Your Horizons. Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/painful-sex-dyspareunia/ Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When to See A Doctor. 07 February 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Accessed: 14 March 2022
- Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms and Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/dxc-20200169 Accessed: 14 March 2022