Is it normal to feel pain during penetration

Page last reviewed: 11 May Next review due: 11 May Home Common health questions Sexual health Back to Sexual health. Why does sex hurt? Pain during or after sex dyspareunia can be caused by many things, such as: illness infection a physical problem a psychological problem If you get pain during or after sex, your body may be trying to tell you something is wrong, so don't ignore it.

Medical and surgical conditions—Some medical conditions can indirectly affect sexual response. These conditions include arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and thyroid conditions. Some women who have had surgery find that it affects their body image, which may decrease their desire for sex. Your partner—If your partner has a sexual problem, it can make you anxious about sex. If your partner is taking a drug for erectile dysfunction, he may have delayed orgasm, which can lead to long, painful intercourse.

Some of these conditions can lead to other problems if not treated: Skin disorders—Some skin disorders may result in ulcers or cracks in the skin of the vulva. Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder that affects the vulva. It is a reaction to an irritating substance, such as perfumed soaps, douches, or lubricants. It may cause itching, burning, and pain. Treatment of skin disorders depends on the type of disorder. Vulvodynia—This is a pain disorder that affects the vulva.

When pain is confined to the vestibule the area around the opening of the vagina , it is known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome VVS. There are many treatments available for vulvodynia, including self-care measures. Medication or surgery may be needed in some cases. For more information about this condition, see FAQ Vulvodynia.

Hormonal changes—During perimenopause and menopause , decreasing levels of the female hormone estrogen may cause vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy is one treatment option. Using a lubricant during sex or a vaginal moisturizer also may be helpful. Vaginitis—Vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, can be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection. Symptoms are discharge and itching and burning of the vagina and vulva. Vaginitis can be treated with medication see FAQ Vaginitis.

Vaginismus—Vaginismus is a reflex contraction tightening of the muscles at the opening of your vagina. Vaginismus may cause pain when you try to have sexual intercourse. Vaginismus can be treated with different forms of therapy. Childbirth—Women who have had an episiotomy or tears in the perineum during childbirth may have pain during sex that may last for several months. Treatments include physical therapy, medications, or surgery.

Other causes— Pelvic inflammatory disease , endometriosis, and adhesions are all associated with pain during sex. There also are some self-help measures you can try to relieve pain during sex: Use a lubricant. Water-soluble lubricants are a good choice if you experience vaginal irritation or sensitivity.

Silicone-based lubricants last longer and tend to be more slippery than water-soluble lubricants. Do not use petroleum jelly, baby oil, or mineral oil with condoms. They can dissolve the latex and cause the condom to break. Make time for sex. Others, regardless of their age, simply produce less lubricant. Even if you are not experiencing painful penetration, using a lubricant can dramatically increase sexual comfort, pleasure, and stamina—especially if you use condoms.

The friction of a penis, dildo, or finger moving on the vulva or in the vagina might cause the infection to flare up, resulting in stinging and itchiness. A herpes sore on the external genitals can make friction painful. Birth control foam, cream or jelly can cause irritation in the vagina. If you think this is the case, try a different brand. If the irritation persists, it may be in reaction to the spermicide Nonoxynol Alternative spermicides are extremely hard to find, so you may want to consider another birth control method.

Though latex allergy is uncommon, some people are sensitive to latex condoms, diaphragms and gloves. Alternatives include polyurethane condoms, including female condoms. Vaginal deodorant sprays, douches, scented tampons, and all so-called feminine hygiene products can irritate the vagina or vulva, as can body wash, soaps, bubble bath, and laundry detergents and dryer sheets. Try to avoid applying or using products that contain fragrances. In some situations, size matters—if, for example, a male partner has a large penis and your vagina is small.