Painful Sex
Painful sex is most often reported by women, although it occurs in people of all genders. Painful sex can be a result of health conditions, psychological and physical factors, or a combination of both. Painful sex can put stress on a person or relationship, especially if pain is ongoing or recurrent (also known as dyspareunia).
Ongoing or recurrent pain during sex can be caused by:
- scars in the vaginal entrance caused by an episiotomy, sexual assault, or adhesions under the foreskin of those who are uncircumcised;
- allergic reactions to latex in condoms or diaphragms;
- sensitivity to ingredients in spermicides or lubricants;
- skin conditions or infections including lichen sclerosus;
- inadequate lubrication;
- prostate problems that cause pain on ejaculation;
- Peyronie’s disease or other inflammations or scarring of the penis or internal male reproductive organs;
- vaginismus, a condition where the muscles around the vagina spontaneously tighten, which can make any touch or contact inside the vagina feel uncomfortable or painful;
- vulvodynia, which is characterized by long-term pain or discomfort around the vulva;
- pelvic pain or disorders including pelvic inflammatory disease;
- sexually transmitted and blood borne diseases including chlamydia and gonorrhea;
- thinning of the vaginal tissue (as a result of age, scarring, and hormonal changes);
- and endometriosis, which is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows and implants outside of the uterus on other parts of the body.
For people with endometriosis, painful sex may be attributed to fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, scar tissue, hormonal fluctuations, and inflammation. People with endometriosis may also experience vaginismus or vulvodynia, or experience vaginal bleeding during penetrative sex. Click here for more information on endometriosis.
Individuals with a hymen (a thin piece of tissue located at the vaginal opening) may experience a small level of temporary pain due to the opening of the hymen the first time that they have sex. This may cause some pain or bleeding, though it does not happen to everyone.
If you experience pain during sex, be sure to tell your partner it hurts. Any pain felt the first few times you have sex should eventually go away. If pain persists and inhibits your ability to enjoy sex, it is best to see your doctor.
Tools and Resources for Patients
Websites:
The Endometriosis Network Canada – A compassionate, empowered community that supports the diverse needs of every unique endometriosis journey; information and tools for patients.
The Endo Educational Organization of Canada – Provides resources, education and awareness about endometriosis in Canada.
Endo Black, Incorporated – Endo Black, Inc. is a black-women-led organization advocating for African American women and women of color living with endometriosis.
Minocare – An organization that provides care that centres the needs of birthing persons, makes culturally-safe expertise accessible, and empowers parents through education and the removal of barriers to accessible care.
All About Endometriosis: Resources for healthcare providers and patients
Tame the Beast: A website about pain management
Videos:
Indigenous Self-Care and Medicine Wheel Teachings
Endometriosis and Treatment
Understanding pain in less than 5 minutes, and what to do about it!
Information and Tools:
Managing Your Pelvic Pain
Describing Pain to your Healthcare Professional
Exercise and Endometriosis
Pain Symptoms Diary
Symptom Tracker
Patient Guide on Managing Pain During IUD Insertion
Podcasts:
Podcast: A Patient’s Journey
Endometriosis and Fibroids in Black Patients
Nouveaux modèles de recherche et de soins multidisciplinaires pour l’endométriose au Canada
What’s New in Endometriosis Diagnosis and Management in Canada
Patient Experience with Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment