#painful sex
/WOMEN - PAINFUL INTERCOURSE
Pain in the {vagina} when the {penis} penetrates, or during or after sexual intercourse is not uncommon & may be due to emotional or physical reasons. Whatever the cause, see your doctor since painful sex may affect sexual desire permanently.


Common causes include:
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soreness from childbirth (may last up to 6 weeks)
vaginal infection (see 'General Problems - Women' section)
lack of lubrication (see 'Women - Lubrication' section)


{anxiety} (see 'Sexual Anxiety' section)
{menopause} (see 'General Problems - Women' section)
bruising & general soreness (over-enthusiastic sex)


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Most treatments for these causes are covered in other sections. Some other common reasons for pain may include deep penetration (try another position) & very frequent sex (stop for a few days). Whatever your problem, seek medical advice to eliminate the possibility of any underlying serious condition.