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Women's Health
When sex hurts
Pain shouldn’t interfere with pleasure, so don’t leave this problem between the sheets.
- By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing, and
- Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor in Chief, 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, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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