Conditions Causing Painful Sex

Vaginismus describes a syndrome where the entry to the vagina either makes intercourse extremely painful or impossible. Some women are able to put things other than a penis into their vagina (e.g. tampons, fingers) and some are unable to do this as well.

Vulvodynia or Vulvar Vestibulitus are conditions where the outside of the vagina, the vulvar area, is either irritated or in pain. Women often describe the irritation as some combination of burning, itching, stinging or pressure.

How does painful sex affect you?

I can't get a penis or anything else into my vagina.

I can get a tampon into my vagina, but I can’t get a penis in.

Why is my vagina and vulvar area irritated, burning, itching or hurting?

Free women’s sexuality information packet.

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