When sex hurts: Causes of post-coital pain

Sex is often accompanied by feelings of warmth and pleasure (Photo: Shutterstock)

When you think of sex, it is often accompanied by feelings of warmth and pleasure. But sex isn’t always a pleasurable, fun and pain-free encounter. At least not for those who suffer from intercourse pain – medically known as dyspareunia. It can be a huge thorn in a couple’s sex life.

More common in women than men, it is characterised by persistent or recurrent pain in the genitals during or after intercourse. The pain can range from mild to severe, and can be caused by both physical and psychological factors. When you experience a distinct and localised aching, burning, throbbing or ripping sensation, something is definitely wrong. Painful sex should not be ignored; apart from the pain, there is the likelihood of negative emotional effects that will result from it.