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How to Deal with Painful Intercourse – Causes and Solutions

16 May 2025

Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is an issue that affects many women, though it often remains unspoken. It may occur occasionally or accompany every sexual encounter, causing not only physical discomfort but also anxiety, stress, and relationship strain. Fortunately, this is a problem with identifiable causes – and effective solutions. The key is proper diagnosis and taking the right steps toward treatment.

1. Causes of Pain During Intercourse – Where to Look?

🔹 Physical causes:

Intimate infections (bacterial, fungal, viral) – can cause itching, burning, and hypersensitivity.
Vaginal dryness – often linked to hormonal imbalances (e.g. menopause, breastfeeding, hormonal contraception).
Endometriosis – a condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain, especially during deep penetration.
Vulvodynia – chronic vulvar pain, often with no clear cause, making intercourse difficult or impossible.
Pelvic floor muscle tension – excessive tension in these muscles can cause pain during penetration.
Anatomical changes or scarring after childbirth, surgeries, or injuries.

🔹 Psychological and emotional causes:

Stress, fatigue, anxiety – can affect arousal and readiness for intimacy.
Depression or anxiety disorders – influence libido and pain perception.
Past trauma (e.g. sexual abuse) – can lead to involuntary tension and avoidance of intimacy.
Relationship difficulties – a lack of emotional safety can manifest in physical symptoms during intercourse.

2. Diagnosis – Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

If pain during sex is recurring or worsening, it’s essential to consult a gynecologist. The diagnostic process may include:

Medical history – including symptoms, menstrual cycle, contraception, past illnesses.
Gynecological exam and ultrasound – to check for anatomical or pathological changes.
Swabs and cultures – to rule out infections.
Hormonal tests – if a hormonal imbalance is suspected.
Psychological or sexological consultation – if emotional causes are likely.

3. Available Solutions – How to Find Relief?

💡 Treating physical causes:

Treating infections with the right antifungal or antibiotic medications.
Hormone therapy (e.g. vaginal estrogen for menopause-related dryness).
Pelvic floor physiotherapy – effective in releasing muscular tension.
Aesthetic gynecology treatments – e.g. laser therapy to improve hydration and elasticity.
Pain or anti-inflammatory medications for chronic inflammation or endometriosis.

💡 Psychological support:

Individual or couples therapy – for working through trauma, emotional barriers, or relationship issues.
Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Improving relationship communication – to build trust and comfort around intimacy.

💡 Lifestyle adjustments:

Creating calming pre-intimacy routines.
Using water-based lubricants, especially for vaginal dryness.
Healthy diet, hydration, and proper intimate hygiene.

4. When to See a Specialist?

Seek help when:

Pain is recurring and affecting your quality of life.
You avoid intimacy due to pain or fear.
The issue is impacting your relationship.
Home remedies do not help.

At Mediss Medical Clinic in Gdańsk, we offer comprehensive care: gynecological consultations, ultrasound diagnostics, pelvic floor therapy, and access to psychologists and sexologists.

You’re Not Alone – There Is a Solution

Painful intercourse is a serious yet manageable condition. Rather than suffer in silence, it’s important to search for the cause and seek professional support. Intimacy should be a source of closeness, joy, and connection – not pain or frustration.