Pain During Sex: When to Seek Medical Advice

Experiencing pain during sexual activity can be concerning and make you wonder if it's a temporary issue or something that needs medical attention. This post helps you understand when to consult a healthcare professional. What this means Pain during sex, medically known as dyspareunia, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. It can occur before, during, or after sexual activity and may be felt externally or internally. While occasional, mild discomfort might not always be serious, persistent or severe pain often indicates an underlying issue that requires evaluation. What to observe or prepare Before consulting a doctor, observe and note down details about your pain. This includes when it started, if it's consistent or intermittent, its location (e.g., entrance, deep inside), type of pain (e.g., sharp, burning, aching), and any other symptoms like itching, discharge, bleeding, or pain during urination. Also, consider if certain positions or types of sexual activity make the pain worse. This information will help your doctor understand your situation better. What not to assume Do not assume that pain during sex is normal, something you have to live with, or solely a psychological issue without a medical evaluation. While stress or anxiety can contribute, many physical causes are treatable. Also, do not self-diagnose or try to treat yourself based on information from unverified sources. Delaying a medical consultation can sometimes worsen underlying conditions. When to seek help You should seek medical advice if you experience: * Persistent pain: Pain that occurs regularly or doesn't go away after a few days. * Severe pain: Pain that is intense or significantly interferes with your sexual activity or daily life. * New symptoms: Any new or unusual discharge, itching, burning, sores, or bleeding, as these could indicate infections or other conditions. * Pain accompanied by other symptoms: Such as fever, pelvic pain, or pain during urination. What you can do next If you are experiencing persistent or concerning pain during sex, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Discussing sexual health can feel awkward, but healthcare providers are there to help without judgment. Open communication with your doctor can lead to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan. Sources [1] Exploring the Gender Preferences for Healthcare Providers and ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071379/ [2] Global perspectives on the burden of sexually transmitted diseases https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11098264/ What kind of information would be most helpful for you to prepare for a conversation with your doctor about pain during sex?