Painful intercourse can occur for many reasons. Many women have painful intercourse at some point in their lives.

The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dispuh-ROO-nee-uh), defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Talk to your doctor if you're having painful intercourse. Treatments focus on the cause, and can help eliminate or lessen this common problem.

If you have painful intercourse, you might feel:

• Pain only at sexual entry (penetration)
• Pain with every penetration, including putting in a tampon
• Deep pain during thrusting
• Burning pain or aching pain
• Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse

You and your partner might be able to minimize pain with a few changes to your sexual routine:

• Change positions. If you have sharp pain during thrusting, try different positions, such as being on top. In this position, you might be able to regulate penetration to a depth that feels good to you.
• Communicate. Talk about what feels good and what doesn't. If you need your partner to go slow, say so.
• Don't rush. Longer foreplay can help stimulate your natural lubrication. You might reduce pain by delaying penetration until you feel fully aroused.
• Use lubricants. A personal lubricant can make sex more comfortable. Try different brands until you find one you like.

If you have recurrent pain during sex, talk to your doctor. Treating the problem can help your sex life, your emotional intimacy and your self-image.