08/17/2026
Pain during s*x can have many possible causes and it can affect both women and men.
Sometimes the discomfort is related to hormones, pelvic-floor function, inflammation, infection, s*xual health conditions, or other urologic or gynecologic concerns.
Understanding where the pain happens, when it happens, and what other symptoms occur alongside it can help your provider determine what may be causing it.
For women, painful s*x — also called dyspareunia — may be associated with va**nal dryness, hormonal changes, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), vulvodynia, pelvic-floor dysfunction, or recurrent infections.
The cause is not always obvious, which is why persistent or recurring pain deserves a medical evaluation.
Men can experience painful s*x, too.
Possible causes may include Peyronie’s disease, prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pelvic-floor dysfunction, inflammation, infection, or pain associated with er****ons or ej*******on.
Talking openly with a urologist can help identify what is contributing to the discomfort and what treatment options may be appropriate.
When evaluating painful s*x, how the pain presents matters.
Is it near the opening or deeper in the pelvis? Does it happen during er****ons, pe*******on, or ej*******on? Is it new, recurring, or getting worse?
Those details can provide important clues about the underlying cause.
S*x should not routinely hurt.
Persistent or recurring pain with s*x is a medical symptom worth discussing with a healthcare provider — not something you simply have to tolerate.
At Down There Urology, we evaluate s*xual and urologic concerns for women and men in a judgment-free environment.
Schedule an appointment if pain is interfering with your s*xual health or quality of life.