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Medical Health Encyclopedia
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Causes of painful intercourse
Causes of painful intercourse


Sexual intercourse - painful

Alternative Names:
Painful sexual intercourse; Dyspareunia

Home Care:

For painful intercourse in women after pregnancy:

  • Wait at least 6 weeks after childbirth before resuming sexual relations.
  • Be gentle and patient.
Text Continues Below



For vaginal dryness/inadequate lubrication:

  • Try water-based lubricants.
  • If you are going through menopause and lubricants don't work, talk to your doctor about estrogen creams or other prescription medications.

For painful intercourse caused by prostatitis:

  • Soak in a warm bath.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Take antibiotics as prescribed.

For hemorrhoids, try stool softeners. Antibiotics may be required for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or vaginal infections.

Other causes of painful intercourse may require prescription medications or, rarely, surgery.

Sex therapy may be helpful, especially if no underlying medical cause is identified. Guilt, inner conflict, or unresolved feelings about past abuse may be involved which need to be worked through in therapy. It may be best for your partner to see the therapist with you.



Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor if:

  • Home remedies are not working.
  • You have other symptoms with painful intercourse, like bleeding, genital lesions, irregular periods, discharge from penis or vagina, or involuntary vaginal muscle contraction.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault, report the crime to the police and go to the emergency room immediately. Get a trusted friend to accompany you. DO NOT change, bathe, shower or even wash your hands before the ER evaluation. The temptation to do so will be great, but it is important to not lose any evidence in order to help find, charge, and convict the perpetrator.



What to expect at your health care provider's office:

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