The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-ne-uh) — which is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing painful intercourse. Treatments focus on the underlying cause, and can help eliminate or reduce this common problem.
Symptoms of Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
If you experience painful intercourse, you may feel:
- Pain only at sexual penetration (entry)
- Pain with every penetration, even while putting in a tampon
- Pain with certain partners or just under certain circumstances
- New pain after previously pain-free intercourse
- Deep pain during thrusting, which is often described as "something being bumped"
- Burning pain or aching pain
