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. 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. If you experience pain during sex, it is therefore important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. 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.
Getty Images / Thomas Tolstrup
Sexually Transmitted Infections That May Cause Pain
A number of different STIs can potentially lead to pain during sex.STIs associated with pain during intercourse include:
These STIs cause sexual pain for different reasons. 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.
Other Causes of Sexual Pain in Women
There are also a number of non-medical factors that can cause pain during sex. These include insufficient lubrication, stress, and even a history of sexual abuse.Many such difficulties can be treated, or relieved, with a combination of appropriate techniques, therapies, and patience. However, medical causes of dyspareunia should usually be ruled out first.
Other Causes of Sexual Pain in Men
For men, sexual pain tends to be categorized as eitherpainful erectionsorpain during ejaculation. 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.
Conditions other than STIs that can cause sexual pain in men include:
Causes of Painful Sex in Men
Getting Help
If the pain you experience during sex does not have a clear medical cause, you may be referred to a therapist. A therapist can help address anxiety and other concerns that may lead to sex becoming uncomfortable. You may also be referred to a sex therapist who can help you address other issues affecting your sexual interactions with a partner.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Treating sexual problems for women with cancer.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?MedlinePlus.Urethritis.Harvard Health Publishing.Interstitial cystitis.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Treating sexual problems for women with cancer.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?MedlinePlus.Urethritis.Harvard Health Publishing.Interstitial cystitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Treating sexual problems for women with cancer.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?MedlinePlus.Urethritis.Harvard Health Publishing.Interstitial cystitis.
American Cancer Society.Treating sexual problems for women with cancer.
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?
MedlinePlus.Urethritis.
Harvard Health Publishing.Interstitial cystitis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
