Why does sex hurt?
Dryness, burning, or pain with intimacy.
What you may want to know
Vaginal dryness, burning, and pain with sex are common in perimenopause and after menopause, and they are frequently not raised in visits.
Discomfort can involve tissue changes, pelvic floor muscles, skin conditions, infection, or other causes. It is not something you have to accept as inevitable, and it is a recognized medical concern.
Local vaginal treatments, non-hormonal products, and pelvic floor physical therapy are all discussed in clinical practice. What fits any individual depends on her own history and examination.
If you build your Hormone Map, this page can also show what you've already reported in this area.
Build My Hormone MapWhat may be useful to track
- Where the discomfort is felt, and whether it is at entry, deeper, or both.
- Whether dryness or irritation is also present outside of sex.
- Any products, soaps, or lubricants currently used.
Questions you could bring to your clinician
Once you've completed the assessment and reported symptoms in this area, question prompts based on what you reported will appear here.
When to seek care
- If you have bleeding after sex, a new lump or sore, or persistent burning or itching, contact a clinician for evaluation.
- If a symptom is severe, getting worse, or interfering with your daily life, it is reasonable to contact a clinician rather than waiting.
This is a patient-reported, educational summary. It is not a diagnosis, a medical record, or a treatment recommendation. Only your clinician can advise on what is appropriate for you.
Something else on your mind?