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Is It Normal to Feel Pain During Sex? What to Know and Do

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 13 Jul 2025 | 4 min read

Pain during sex is something many people experience at some point. It can feel awkward to talk about, but it’s important to know what’s normal and when you should see a doctor.

Is It Normal to Feel Pain During Sex?

It’s normal to have mild discomfort sometimes, like:

  • During your first few times, as your body gets used to a new experience.

  • When you are on your period, because your body can be more sensitive.

  • If you are not fully aroused, which can make things dry and tense.

But if the pain is strong, happens every time, or doesn’t go away, that’s not normal. You should talk to a doctor to find out what’s going on.

What can cause pain during sex?

Physical Causes

  • Vaginal Dryness: This is common and can happen because of hormone changes (like menopause or breastfeeding), some medicines, or not enough arousal. Without enough moisture, sex can be painful.

  • Infections: Things like urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause pain.

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs can cause deep pain, especially during sex.

  • Endometriosis or Fibroids: Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Both can cause pain during sex.

  • Vaginismus: This is when the muscles around the vagina tighten up on their own, making sex painful or even impossible. It can be caused by anxiety, past trauma, or sometimes physical reasons.

  • Prostatitis (for men): This is swelling of the prostate gland and can cause pain during sex, pain in the pelvis, or pain after ejaculation.

Emotional and Relationship Causes

  • Stress or Anxiety: Worrying about sex or feeling stressed can make your body tense, which can cause pain.

  • Past Trauma: If someone has had a bad experience or abuse in the past, it can make sex painful.

  • Relationship Problems: If you and your partner aren’t getting along or aren’t comfortable with each other, it can lead to pain during sex.

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

  • You have pain every time you have sex.

  • The pain is strong or lasts after sex.

  • You have pain along with other symptoms, like unusual bleeding, pain when you pee, or fever.

A doctor can help find out what’s causing your pain and talk to you about ways to feel better.

What can you do right now?

If you're experiencing pain during sex, there are several steps you can take to relieve discomfort and address the underlying causes.

  • Use Lubricant: If dryness is the problem, use a water-based lubricant to help reduce friction.

  • Try Different Positions: Some positions may be more comfortable than others. Using pillows or lying on your side might help.

  • Take Your Time: Spend more time on foreplay. This helps your body relax and makes sex more comfortable.

  • Talk to Your Partner: Let them know if you’re feeling pain. Working together can help you both feel more comfortable.

  • See a Healthcare Provider: If pain keeps happening, a doctor can help you find out why and what to do next.

How can you prevent pain during sex?

  • Regular Check-Ups: See your doctor regularly to catch problems early.

  • Use Lubricant: Especially during times of dryness, like menopause or stress.

  • Live Healthy: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Reducing stress with things like meditation or yoga can also help.

In Summary

Mild pain during sex can happen sometimes, but ongoing or strong pain is not normal. There are many reasons for pain during sex, including physical and emotional causes. Don’t ignore pain: talk to your doctor so you can get help and enjoy a healthier sex life. Regular check-ups, good communication, and healthy habits can also help prevent pain and improve your well-being.