Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, is more common than many women realize—but it’s not something you have to accept. Discomfort during or after sex can affect your physical health, confidence, and relationships. At Care for Womens Medical Group, our compassionate team helps women across Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, and Eastvale identify the cause and find lasting relief through personalized, effective care.

What Is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia refers to pain that occurs during or after vaginal intercourse. The discomfort can range from mild irritation to sharp or burning sensations and may be:

• External (entry pain): Felt at the vaginal opening
• Internal (deep pain): Felt deeper within the pelvis
• Occasional or persistent: May vary based on position, arousal, or time of cycle

Understanding where and when pain occurs is key to identifying the underlying cause and determining the most effective treatment.

Common Causes of Painful Intercourse

Dyspareunia can result from physical, hormonal, or emotional factors—sometimes a combination of all three.

Physical Causes:

• Vaginal dryness (common after menopause or childbirth)
• Hormonal changes (perimenopause, breastfeeding, or certain medications)
• Vaginal atrophy (thinning or inflammation of vaginal tissues)
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ovarian cysts or fibroids
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) or interstitial cystitis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Vaginismus (involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction

Emotional and Psychological Factors:

• Past trauma or sexual abuse
• Anxiety, depression, or relationship stress
• Fear of pain, leading to involuntary tension

Our team understands the sensitive nature of this condition and provides care that addresses both the physical and emotional components.

When to See a Provider

You should schedule a visit if you:

• Avoid intimacy due to pain or fear of discomfort
• Experience new or worsening pain during sex
• Notice dryness, itching, or burning
• Have difficulty with arousal or orgasm due to discomfort
• Are unsure if your symptoms are normal

Pain during sex is never something you should “just live with.” Early evaluation helps uncover the cause and restore sexual wellness.

Diagnosis

Your provider will begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, sexual health, and overall well-being. Evaluation may include:

• A gentle pelvic exam to assess vaginal and pelvic tissues
• Testing for infection, inflammation, or hormonal changes
• Pelvic ultrasound or STI screening if indicated

Our goal is to provide a comfortable, judgment-free space where you can speak openly and feel supported throughout the process.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medical, physical, or emotional support strategies.

Non-Hormonal Support:

• Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers
• Counseling or sex therapy for emotional or relationship concerns
• Pelvic floor physical therapy to relieve muscle tension or vaginismus

Hormonal Treatments:

• Vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, or ring) to restore moisture and elasticity
• DHEA suppositories for tissue rejuvenation without systemic hormones
• Systemic hormone therapy if symptoms are linked to menopause

Advanced Options:

• Laser vaginal therapy for collagen stimulation and tissue restoration
• Medications for underlying gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis or PID
• Referrals for trauma-informed counseling when emotional healing is part of recovery

Our care approach focuses on restoring comfort, confidence, and intimacy at your own pace.

You Deserve Comfortable, Fulfilling Intimacy

Painful intercourse is not a normal part of aging or womanhood. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most women find meaningful relief and regain comfort in their intimate relationships.

Schedule an appointment with Care for Womens Medical Group today to discuss your symptoms and take the first step toward healing and renewed intimacy.