For both men and women, pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sex -- for example, at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation. Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity.
The medical term for this is dyspareunia.
Causes Return to top
Intercourse too soon after surgery or child birth
Vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication (for example, from insufficient foreplay)
Menopause (vaginal lining loses its normal moisture and becomes dry)
Vaginal infection
Reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom
Prostatitis -- inflammation of the prostate
Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products
Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted diseases
Urinary tract infections
Endometriosis
Vaginismus -- involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles; this may be a result of ongoing painful intercourse as well as a cause
Ill fitting diaphragm
Sexual abuse or rape
Hemorrhoids
Certain medications