Dyspareunia is a medical condition that refers to painful sexual intercourse due to medical or psychological causes. It is not a diagnosis of itself but is combined with vaginismus into genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder in the DSM-5. The pain can be felt externally on the vulva or internally in the vagina, uterus, or pelvis. Dyspareunia can affect both men and women of all ages, but it is more common in women.

The causes of dyspareunia are complicated and multifactorial, and the differential diagnosis for dyspareunia is long. Often there are physiologic conditions underlying the pain, as well as psychosocial components that must be assessed to find appropriate treatment. Some of the physical causes of dyspareunia include vaginal dryness, skin disorders, infections, injury or trauma, vulvodynia, vaginitis, endometriosis, cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, radiation, and chemotherapy. Factors that reduce sexual desire or affect a persons ability to become aroused can also cause dyspareunia, such as stress, fear, guilt, shame related to sex, self-image, or body issues.

The treatment of dyspareunia depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Treatments focus on the cause and can help eliminate or lessen this common problem. Some treatments include sexual lubricants, antibiotics for infections, a different type of birth control, surgery, and medications. It is essential to talk to a doctor if experiencing painful intercourse to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.