Painful Intercourse

Painful intercourse can occur for reasons that range from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many women have painful intercourse at some point in their lives.

What is painful intercourse (dyspareunia)?

The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh), defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after intercourse. Women with this condition may feel the following: pain with penetration, deep pain during thrusting, burning pain or aching pain, or throbbing pain lasting hours after intercourse.

What are some of the causes of painful intercourse?

Physical causes of painful intercourse differ, depending on whether the pain occurs at entry or with deep thrusting. Emotional factors might be associated with many types of painful intercourse. A thorough exam will often help to identify causes, which can be treated to decrease pain and improve intimacy.

Entry Pain

Entry pain may be associated with a range of factors including but not limited to the following:

Not enough lubrication. This is often the result of not enough foreplay. A drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth or during breastfeeding also can be a cause. Certain medications are known to affect sexual desire or arousal, which can decrease lubrication and make sex painful. These include antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, antihistamines, and certain birth control pills.
Injury, trauma, or irritation. This includes injury or irritation from an accident, pelvic surgery, female circumcision, or a cut made during childbirth to enlarge the birth canal (episiotomy).
Inflammation, infection, or skin disorder. An infection in your genital area or urinary tract can cause painful intercourse. Eczema or other skin problems in your genital area also can be a problem.
Vaginismus. These involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall can make penetration painful.
Congenital abnormality. A problem present at birth, such as the absence of a fully formed vagina (vaginal agenesis) or the development of a membrane that blocks the vaginal opening (imperforate hymen), could cause dyspareunia.

Deep Pain

Deep pain usually occurs with deep penetration. It might be worse in certain positions. Causes include:

Certain illnesses and conditions. The list includes endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids, cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, adenomyosis, hemorrhoids, and ovarian cysts.
Surgeries or medical treatments. Scarring from pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy, can cause painful intercourse. Medical treatments for cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can cause changes that make sex painful.

Emotional Factors

Emotions are deeply intertwined with sexual activity, so they might play a role in sexual pain. Emotional factors include:

Psychological issues. Anxiety, depression, concerns about your physical appearance, fear of intimacy, or relationship problems can contribute to a low level of arousal and resulting discomfort or pain.
Stress. Your pelvic floor muscles tend to tighten in response to stress in your life. This can contribute to pain during intercourse.
History of sexual abuse. Not everyone with dyspareunia has a history of sexual abuse, but if you have been abused, it can play a role

Painful intercourse can be multifactorial and requires a trained specialist to identify the cause and develop a treatment plan. At Urogynecology of Kansas City, we are dedicated to ensuring that you experience the relief you deserve. Contact our office to speak with a team member and book your prolapse evaluation.

How Much Does Treatment for Painful Intercourse Cost?

As symptoms and triggers vary greatly from one patient to another, Painful Intercourse treatments are also varied. Once we have formulated a treatment approach for you, we will review your treatment plan and price details with you.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule your consultation for treatment of Painful Intercourse in Kansas – contact Urogynecology of Kansas City and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!

Contact Us

    Excellent4.7237 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent237 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
       
   charnice burk 
 September 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Nosti is great! I felt very confident in his work. He has done 2 procedures for me and both have gone so smooth. He tells you what to expect and has a plan for those things. I would refer him to anyone having gynecological issues that they need surgery for. Thanks Dr. Nosti!!
  
 
      
   Deb Hundley 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a Provider in the region I self referred to Dr. Nosti for female pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence. From the time I walked in the door for my initial consult to my post-op surgical follow up the process has been seamless. Any hiccups were anticipated and a plan was in place prior. I’ve been nothing but happy with this process and my results.
  
 
      
   Kathryn Gonzalez 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is so professional and Dr. Nosti is incredible.  Surgery went well.  I feel more confident.
  
 
      
   Rose Hamilton 
 August 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place was amazing, I was treated kindly and softly, everything explained to me as we went, my options and things to help till my next appointment. The office itself is soft, clean, and quiet to help you feel more relaxed in an uncomfortable situation. Everyone was very friendly and respectful. I highly recommend this office. Dr Stork was very friendly, took her time, explained everything and presented my options, pros and cons for each and let me make the choice. She was light-hearted and helped me feel at ease.
  
 
      
   Elaine Smith 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Nosti is wonderful, I would recommend him to any of my friends.  His office staff are kind, courteous and professional.  Highly recommend if you need urogynecology services!!
  
 
      
   Ashlee White 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have dealt with IC and bladder pain for the last 3 years. Went to a urologist for years and tried anything he threw at me but after years of suffering and plenty of my own research (spiraling), I found Latasha online. She is the first provider that made me feel seen and heard and actually helped me feel better. Thank you, Latasha! ❤️
  
 
      
   Colleen Dublin 
 August 11, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Nosti and LaTasha are excellent practitioners. They are a busy practice but always have time to make you feel like you're the only patient. (I wouldn't recommend a practice that isn't busy... if it's not, the practitioners aren't any good). The staff is excellent, too. I'm a bit of an expert when judging urologists... I'm in my 50's and was born with a bladder condition. Needless to say, I've seen many urologists since childhood (I move around a lot).
  
 
      
   Jennifer Sada 
 August 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This office is extremely clean and well organized. I never had to wait more than two minutes and the staff is very friendly and professional. I felt fully supported by Kellie James and Dr. Nosti at every step of the diagnosis and treatment.
  
 
      
   Lisa Kurz 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the best experience with Dr. Nosti, he’s so caring and made me feel very comfortable. I’ve never felt better and my life is back to normal again! He is so wonderful and explained everything. I’m so happy I didn’t wait and his staff at his office and at the hospital were amazing!!
  
 
      
   Lynette Beebe 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was struggling. Latasha Reed and Dr. Nosti were so helpful.  I can go places without accidents.