Why might some women feel pain during sex?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Painful sex in women, medically known as dyspareunia, often results from vulvo-vaginal pain or genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. These conditions can begin at any age and are influenced by a range of physical, hormonal, and psychological factors, including infections, hormonal changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, and emotional stress.

Because the causes vary widely, identifying the source of your pain is the first step toward relief. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on next steps—whether that means self-care, seeing a specialist, or seeking urgent care. It's private, takes just a few minutes, and empowers you to have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain during sex can happen for different reasons. Some women experience vulvo-vaginal pain, which can start when they are young. This type of pain can be due to physical issues or sensitivities in the vaginal area.

Another type of pain is genito-pelvic pain, which can be related to emotional or psychological factors. This may include stress or past experiences that make the pelvic area feel tense.

Some studies also show that pelvic pain can be connected to other health problems. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, our free AI symptom checker can help you understand possible causes and guide your next steps.

Understanding these different types of pain can help women find the right care and support.

(References)

Landry T, & Bergeron S. (2009). How young does vulvo-vaginal pain begin? Prevalence .... The journal of sexual medicine, 19207275.
Azim KA, Happel-Parkins A, Moses A, & Haardoerfer R. (2021). Exploring Relationships Between Genito-Pelvic Pain .... The journal of sexual medicine, 33757773.
García-Pérez H, Harlow SD, Erdmann CA, & Denman C. (2010). Pelvic pain and associated characteristics among women .... International perspectives on sexual and reproductive health, 20663745.

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