---
title: When Sex is Painful
date: 2022-07-05T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/when-sex-is-painful"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# When Sex is Painful

A concise and helpful outline of the various types of vulvovaginal pain and their treatments. Not holistic or feminist, but factually accurate.

> Pain during sex may be a sign of a gynecologic problem, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Pain during sex also may be caused by problems with sexual response, such as a lack of desire (the feeling of wanting to have sex) or a lack of arousal (the physical and emotional changes that occur in the body as a result of sexual stimulation).

[View the FAQs ](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-sex-is-painful?)

SOURCE: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists • LAST UPDATED: January 1, 2022

![A woman lies in bed with a sad or disappointed look on her face](data:image/png;base64,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) [DimaBerlin](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/207387033/dimaberlin?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health)
- [ vulvovaginal & urinary problems](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/vulvo-vaginal-urinary-problems)
- [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain)
- [vagina](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vagina)
- [vulva](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vulva)
- [painful sex](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/painful-sex)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication.

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L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/claiming-back-my-body)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## The Missing Vagina Monologue

Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.

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Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/the-missing-vagina-monologue)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Extreme Pain from an IUD

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.

![SD](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/extreme-iud-pain)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Jennifer’s Uterine Fibroids Journey: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

At age 45, Jennifer found herself at a turning point in dealing with her uterine fibroids. In this story, she discusses her process for seeking treatment.

![Collection of grapefruit whole with half and slice. Marker illustration in watercolor style. Eco-friendly orange fruit. Hand drawn isolated art. Healthy food design for food packaging, juice.](data:image/png;base64,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)

At age 45, Jennifer found herself at a turning point in dealing with her uterine fibroids. In this story, she discusses her process for seeking treatment.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/jennifer-fibroids)

[ResourcesLook

## The Vulva Gallery

This gallery of drawings, each paired with a different person’s story, showcases the diversity of vulvas and labia

![Maubeschau_Vulva_drawing_book_3](data:image/png;base64,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)

This gallery of drawings, each paired with a different person’s story, showcases the diversity of vulvas and labia](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-vulva-gallery)

[ResourcesRead

## Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common type of vaginal infection.

![Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)](data:image/png;base64,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)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common type of vaginal infection.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/bacterial-vaginosis-bv)

[ResourcesRead

## Pussy Wetness and Discharge

Understanding the different types of vaginal moisture and discharge can help you understand your cycles and health.

![A woman holds out her finger with white vaginal discharge](data:image/png;base64,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)

Understanding the different types of vaginal moisture and discharge can help you understand your cycles and health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pussy-wetness-and-discharge)

[ResourcesRead

## The Physical Symptoms of PTSD

Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event.

![A woman lays on a couch with her hand on her head and her eyes closed](data:image/png;base64,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)

Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-physical-symptoms-of-ptsd)