Persistent painful sex is medically known as dyspareunia. There are many known causes of painful sex. It’s important to know that it’s not normal to experience persistent painful sex. Paying attention to your body during sex will help you understand the potential cause. Discussing the details of your pain during sex will also help a healthcare provider guide you through a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The healthcare provider knows the long list of potential causes of painful sex. Getting a detailed history and performing a gynecologic examination will help make the diagnosis more clear to a trained physician. Other health care providers including a sex therapist and a pelvic health specialist/physical therapist is often necessary to help treat the underlying condition.