Why Painful Intercourse Shouldn’t Be a Taboo Topic
In this discussion, Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein talks about painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, and why it is important to speak up about it.
Pain with sex can show up in different ways. Some patients experience pain with penetration, others during intercourse, and some have soreness that lasts for hours or even days afterward. These symptoms can happen at any stage of life and may be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or other causes of chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
Many patients feel uncomfortable bringing this up, but it is something your gynecologist should always be open to discussing. Painful intercourse is common and it is not something you should ignore or feel embarrassed about.
What You Will Learn
- What dyspareunia is and common symptoms of painful intercourse
- Why pain can occur before, during, or after sex
- How conditions like endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to pain
- Why open communication with your doctor is essential
- The role of pelvic floor physical therapy in treatment and recovery
- Why healing after excision surgery may take time and ongoing support
The Takeaway
Pain with sex is not normal, and you deserve to be heard.
With the right evaluation and support, including pelvic floor therapy and a multidisciplinary care team, it is possible to better understand the cause of dyspareunia and move toward meaningful relief.
