Women's Health
When sex hurts
Pain shouldn’t interfere with pleasure, so don’t leave this problem between the sheets.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and
- Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women's Health Watch
In the movies, amazing sex always seems like an easy home run. But real-life sex can throw us some curve-balls — including pain that interferes with moments we once counted on to bring nothing but pleasure.
Painful sex is a problem many shove under the covers, since it can be awkward to discuss, even with a doctor. But if you’re dealing with it, you’re far from alone. Discomfort during intercourse is exceedingly common, with nearly three-quarters of women experiencing it at some point in their lives, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And up to six in 10 women report painful sex during the ramp-up to menopause and beyond.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewers
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women's Health Watch
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