Joy Onuorah

Pain during penetration might be associated with a range of factors. These factors include:

Little or no lubrication

This is often the result of not enough foreplay. A drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth or during breast-feeding also can be a cause.

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 the problem.

Vagisnimus

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 development of a membrane that blocks the vaginal opening (imperforate hymen), could cause dyspareunia.