The short explanation
Pain felt deep in the pelvis during sex, rather than at the entrance, is called deep dyspareunia. It often happens with deeper penetration or certain positions because pressure reaches the cervix, the top of the vagina, the womb or the ovaries. Some women notice it more at certain times of the cycle. Common causes include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or other infections, ovarian cysts, fibroids, adenomyosis, and sometimes bowel or bladder problems. Pain can also come from tight pelvic floor muscles. Many of these are treatable, so it is worth seeing a gynaecologist rather than putting up with it.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Clues the doctor will want to know include whether the pain is worse around periods, whether you also have painful periods, pain on passing stools, unusual discharge, fever, or bleeding after sex.
- An examination, swabs for infection and a pelvic ultrasound are common first steps. If endometriosis is suspected, further tests may be needed.
- Meanwhile, positions that give you more control over depth, going slowly and stopping when it hurts can help. Talking openly with your partner makes this easier.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell what is causing your pain. An examination and tests are needed to find out.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Could my deep pain be caused by endometriosis, an infection or a cyst?
- Do I need swabs or an ultrasound?
- Could tight pelvic floor muscles be involved?
- What can help while we find the cause?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have sudden severe pelvic pain with fainting or vomiting.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if deep pain comes with fever, foul-smelling discharge or feeling unwell.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book an appointment with a gynaecologist if sex keeps causing deep pain, especially with painful periods.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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