Sexo y salud sexual

Pain during sex

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Pain during sex has many possible causes, from dryness and infections to vaginismus or endometriosis. You do not have to put up with it, and help is available.

Sex should not hurt

Sex is not supposed to be painful. If it hurts, it is a sign that something needs attention, and there is no need to keep going or to feel embarrassed. You can stop at any time. Noting when the pain happens, and where you feel it, can help a doctor or nurse find the cause. Ciclo's notes are one place to keep this.

Common causes

Pain during sex has many possible causes. Vaginal dryness is a common one. It is more likely around and after menopause, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with some medicines such as hormonal contraception or antidepressants, or when you are not fully aroused. Infections such as thrush and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause soreness or stinging. A reaction to condoms or soap can irritate the skin. Pain felt deep inside can come from conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or fibroids. Stress and worry can also make the pelvic floor muscles tighten.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is when the muscles around the vagina tighten on their own when something is about to go in, such as a penis, finger or tampon, or during cervical screening. This can cause burning or stinging pain. It is not something you do on purpose. The cause is not always clear. It is linked to fear or worry about sex, a past painful experience, sexual assault or abuse, a difficult birth or examination, or a painful condition like thrush.

Treatments that help

Treatment depends on the cause. Thrush and STIs can be treated with medicine. A water-based lubricant before sex, or a vaginal moisturiser used regularly, can help with dryness. If dryness is linked to menopause, a doctor may offer oestrogen treatment. Vaginismus is usually treated by working on feelings about penetration and slowly getting used to it. This can include talking therapy for sex-related worries (psychosexual therapy), relaxation, pelvic floor exercises, and vaginal trainers, a set of smooth shapes from small to larger that you use at your own pace.

When to see a doctor or nurse

See a doctor, nurse or sexual health clinic if sex is often painful or the pain keeps coming back, if you think you have vaginismus, or if you have unusual discharge, sores or itching. They will ask some questions and may take a quick look to rule out an infection. Bleeding after sex should always be checked. Get urgent medical help if you have sudden, severe pain in your lower tummy, especially if you could be pregnant, or tummy pain with a high temperature, being sick or feeling very unwell.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If sex is painful, talk to a doctor, nurse or sexual health clinic.