Painful intercourse

Painful intercourse, medically termed dyspareunia, can occur for many reasons, including vaginismus (involuntary tightening of the muscles around the vaginal opening that makes penetration painful or difficult), vulvodynia (persistent unexplained vulval pain), pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, and other gynaecological or psychological factors. It can affect the ability to have regular intercourse during a fertile window and is a valid reason to seek assessment, whether or not fertility treatment is also being considered. Painful intercourse is a medical symptom, not something to be endured in silence, and effective assessment and management options exist depending on the cause, sometimes including pelvic floor physiotherapy or treatment of an underlying condition. Raise this with your gynaecologist or fertility doctor so it can be properly assessed rather than assumed to be untreatable.

Also known as: dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.