Painful sex (dyspareunia)

Overview

Pain can be at the opening or deep inside.

Causes include dryness, infection, tight pelvic muscles, endometriosis, and menopause changes.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Pain during sex

Less common

• Burning
• Pain after sex

When to get medical care

Causes

Many causes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Menopause

Possible complications

• Endometriosis

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Treatment

Ease discomfort.

Self-care

• Use lubricant
• Take more time for arousal

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Pelvic floor therapy.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use lubricant

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• After menopause: Vaginal estrogen helps dryness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could pelvic floor therapy help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Painful sex (dyspareunia)