Sexual Intercourse - Painful

See all Pictures & Images

Home Care & Treatment

For painful intercourse in women after pregnancy:

• Gentleness and patience should be exercised.
• Wait at least 6 weeks before resuming sexual relations after childbirth.

For inadequate lubrication/vaginal dryness:

• Try water-based lubricants
• If you are going through menopause, and the over-the-counter lubricants don't work, talk to your doctor about estrogen-containing creams or other prescription medications.

For painful intercourse caused by prostatitis:

• Soak in a warm bath.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin IB)
• Take antibiotics, as prescribed by your doctor.

For hemorrhoids, try stool softners. Antibiotics may be required for urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases,or vaginal infections.

Other causes of painful intercourse may require prescription medications or, rarely, surgery.

Sex therapy may be helpful, especially if no underlying medical cause is identified. Occasionally, variables (such as guilt, inner conflict, or unresolved feelings about past abuse) may be involved which need to be worked through in therapy.

Unless abuse is involved, it is best for your partner to see the therapist with you.