Painful sex: When sex hurts

When sex hurts, it can leave everyone involved feeling anxious. Find out the causes of painful sex and when you should speak to a doctor. Painful sex isn't normal, although for those assigned female at birth it can be common. Read more for advice, help and how to refind pleasure Overview Painful intercourse can happen for reasons that range from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many people have painful intercourse at some point in their lives. The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh). It is lasting or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sex . Talk with your healthcare professional if you're having painful intercourse. Treatments focus on the cause and can help stop or ease this common problem. If sex has been painful for some time, you might have a negative emotional response to sexual stimulation even after treatment. If you and your partner have avoided intimacy because of painful intercourse, you also might need help improving communication with your partner and restoring sexual intimacy.