HEALTH ISSUES: YOU SHOULD ENJOY YOUR SEX NOT PAIN

Sex isn’t supposed to hurt
Just because painful sex is very common, that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as "normal." Occasional minor soreness is likely nothing to worry about, but intense or frequent pain is worth having a conversation with your doctor.

Sex should be a pleasurable experience, and if it’s not, don’t hesitate to speak up to your partner and your doctor.

Many conditions may cause pain during sex
Dryness is the most frequent reason, but there are many other reasons sex might become painful. Some conditions that can be at the root of the problem:

1. Endometriosis: In people with endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other areas of the pelvis, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. The condition can be painful, including causing pain during sex.
2. Interstitial cystitis: Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection because it shares many of the same symptoms such as bladder and pelvic pain, pressure, and a frequent urge to urinate. However, the condition is not an infection.
3. Pelvic floor dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles—the ones you tighten when you want to stop passing urine quickly—can become painfully tight. It can cause an achy pelvis and pain with any kind of insertion.
4. Pelvic floor injury: An injury to the pelvic floor, which can have many causes from vaginal childbirth to improperly fitted bicycle seats, can cause pain during sex. 
5. Vaginismus: The muscles at the opening of the vagina become tightly contracted, making penetration impossible.
6. Vulvodynia: Chronic pain at the opening of the vagina, including burning, stinging, soreness, itching, rawness and pain during sex.
7. Infections: Bacterial, yeast or sexually transmitted infections can cause pain during sex and usually have other symptoms, such as discharge.
8. Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries often have no symptoms. When they rupture, they can cause pain and bleeding.
9. Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths on the uterus can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, and painful intercourse.

WHY IS IT PAINFUL TO HAVE SEX?
"Dyspareunia" is the medical term that refers to painful sex. The condition of dyspareunia is characterized by recurrent or persistent pain during sexual activity. 

Several factors can contribute to dyspareunia, including: 

• Illness
• Infection
• A physical problem; or
• A psychological problem

Treatment of pain during intercourse depends on the cause.

Pain at initial penetration may be treated when the cause is identified.

1. If not responsive to self-treatment with lubricating gels or initial treatment by a doctor, a woman may need a more thorough evaluation to identify the cause.
2. A doctor may ask the woman if she uses antibiotic or antifungal medication or if she douches. If so, these practices should be stopped to help determine whether a specific disease-causing organism is present.
3. Treatment is based on the presence of bacteria or other organisms. Often, no single organism is identified. The doctor may talk to the woman about proper hygiene.
4. If recurring symptoms are shared with a sexual partner, both individuals should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
5. A doctor considers the possibility of intermittent urethral infection with chlamydia, an STD, as well as a more obvious urinary tract infection, and then treats with the appropriate antibiotics.

Home Remedies for Painful Intercourse
Applying lubricating gels to the outer sexual organs, including the vulva and labia, and in the vagina, may be helpful to women and ease pain during intercourse. Intercourse position changes may also help." Sex toys, such as vibrators, may also be useful. A woman should talk with her healthcare provider before attempting to use a vaginal dilator.