# Pain during sex: when to get help

> Sex shouldn’t hurt. Here’s what might be going on – and what helps.

Category: Sex & relationships · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/sex-relationships/pain-during-sex

## Quick answer

- Painful sex is common and treatable – don’t just put up with it.
- Entrance pain and deep pain often have different causes.
- Lube, slowing down and stopping when it hurts are good first steps.
- Bleeding after sex, unusual discharge or pelvic pain need a check.

Pain during or after sex ([Dyspareunia](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#dyspareunia)) is really common, and it is never something you should just put up with. It’s also very treatable once you know the cause.

## Pain at the entrance

- Dryness – from not enough arousal, hormonal changes, breastfeeding or some medicines
- Infections like [thrush](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/thrush) or STIs
- Irritation from soaps, washes or spermicides
- [Vaginismus](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#vaginismus) – automatic tightening of vaginal muscles
- [Vulvodynia](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#vulvodynia) – ongoing vulval pain with no obvious cause

## Deeper pain

- [Endometriosis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/endometriosis)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often linked to STIs
- [Fibroids](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/fibroids) or ovarian cysts
- Constipation or bowel conditions like [IBS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ibs)

> **Splash says:** if something hurts, stop. Slow down, add lube, try a different position, or switch to non-penetrative fun. Pleasure should be the point!

**Myth:** Pain the first time (or every time) is just normal.

**Fact:** Some nerves are normal, but ongoing pain isn’t. It’s a signal worth getting checked.

## Getting help

A GP or sexual health clinic can check for infections and other causes. Depending on what’s going on, treatment might include medicine, [pelvic floor](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pelvic-floor) physiotherapy, psychosexual therapy, or vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. Keeping a note of when pain happens (and where you are in your cycle) really helps.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP or sexual health clinic if sex is painful, especially with bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, pain when peeing, or pelvic pain. Get urgent help for sudden severe tummy pain, a high temperature with pelvic pain, or if you could be pregnant and have pain or bleeding.

## Sources

1. [ACOG – When sex is painful](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-sex-is-painful)
2. [NHS – Vaginismus](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/)
3. [NHS – Vulvodynia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/)
4. [NHS – Vaginal dryness](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/)
5. [NHS – Endometriosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/)
6. [NHS – Pelvic inflammatory disease](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).