Eight reasons sex can be painful - and how to fix it

You shouldn’t put up with discomfort when you’re getting intimate

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

Painful sex is – unfortunately – very common and many people put up with discomfort for months or years before seeking help. I have many patients who say they would never have brought up the issue had I not specifically asked them about it. But it shouldn’t be taboo as it can have a big impact on libido and happiness.

The medical term for painful sex is dyspareunia, which tends to be divided into two types: superficial and deep dyspareunia. Superficial dyspareunia is where the pain is felt in the genitals, in the vagina or the vulva. Deep dyspareunia is felt higher up, in the pelvis or abdomen.

Here are the most common reasons why sex may be painful for you…

1 LACK OF AROUSAL