Why might it hurt when I have sex and what should I do about it?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain during sex, known medically as dyspareunia, can affect anyone and often has an identifiable cause. Common reasons include prior pelvic surgery, being new to sexual activity, vaginal dryness, infections, endometriosis, or muscle tension in the pelvic floor. While occasional discomfort may resolve on its own, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.

Because the causes vary widely, understanding your specific symptoms is the first step toward finding relief. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes based on your unique situation, guide you on when to see a doctor, and give you clarity before your appointment. It only takes a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain during sex can be caused by different things. Some people feel pain because of past medical procedures like surgery. This can happen before or after the surgery. Others might feel pain because they are having sex for the first time. It is normal to have different feelings about this, and sometimes it can hurt.

Research shows that pain during sex is something many people experience, and it can be different for everyone. If you are feeling pain, it is important to talk to a doctor. They can help you understand what may be causing the pain and what you can do about it.

What You Can Do:

Talk to a Doctor: They can help find out why you are in pain.
Be Open About Your Feelings: It is okay to talk about how you feel during sex.
Try a Free Symptom Checker: Understanding your symptoms can be a helpful first step—check your symptoms with Ubie's AI-powered tool to get personalized insights before your doctor visit.
Seek Help If Needed: If the pain is affecting your mental health, you can visit 988lifeline.org for support.

(References)

Tolver MA, & Rosenberg J. (2015). Pain during sexual activity before and after laparoscopic .... Surgical endoscopy, 25783834.
Weis DL. (1985). The experience of pain during women's first sexual .... Archives of sexual behavior, 4062539.
Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Reece M, & Fortenberry JD. (2015). Pain experienced during vaginal and anal intercourse with .... The journal of sexual medicine, 25648245.

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