Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 8/20/2026

What are the potential causes of pain during sex in females?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Painful sex in women, medically known as dyspareunia, can stem from physical causes such as vaginal infections, hormonal changes (like low estrogen during menopause), endometriosis, or pelvic floor disorders. Psychological factors—including anxiety, past trauma, or relationship stress—can also play a significant role.

Because the causes vary widely and often overlap, identifying the source of your pain is the first step toward effective relief. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that means self-care, seeing a gynecologist, or exploring mental health support. It takes just a few minutes and could save you weeks of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

answer background

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions women ask Ubie

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

Pain during sex, also known as dyspareunia, can have various causes in females. Understanding these causes can help in finding the right treatment.

Physical Causes:

  1. Infections: Conditions like yeast infections or urinary tract infections can cause pain.
  2. Hormonal Changes: Especially during menopause, hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort.
  3. Medical Conditions: Issues like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can also contribute to pain.

Psychological Causes:

  1. Anxiety or Stress: Feeling anxious or stressed can make the body tense, causing pain.
  2. Relationship Problems: Difficulties with a partner can affect sexual experiences.

Addressing these causes often involves a combination of medical treatment and counseling to improve quality of life and relationships. If you're experiencing sexual pain and want to better understand what might be causing your symptoms, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered assessment to help guide your next steps in seeking appropriate care.

(References)

  • Ghizzani A, Orlandini C, Bernardi MG, Cevenini G, & Luisi S. (2017). Sexual pain in women: quality of sex life and marital relations. Minerva ginecologica, 28381078.

  • Streicher LF. (2023). Diagnosis, causes, and treatment of dyspareunia in .... Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 37040586.

  • Uloko M, & Rubin R. (2021). Managing Female Sexual Pain. The Urologic clinics of North America, 34602170.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.