We usuallyexpect sex to feel good.

Of course,sometimes a little pain is good, if thats what youre into.

But unexpectedly painful sex can seriously kill the mood.

endometriosissexhurts

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It also may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

This is usually concerning to me as a gynecologist.

Aside from someintentional kink, there are perfectly everyday reasons that sex might hurt a little.

Thats where foreplay andlube can be necessary.

Every now and then, sex can have a slight ouch-factor for no identifiable reason.

Most often it’s also positional, sotrying different positionscan be helpful, she says.

Deep pain [during sex] can signalendometriosis, Rowen says.

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the body.

Sex can sometimescause these to rupture, resulting in a sudden, sharp pain.

Pain on deep penetration that is very severe can signal a ruptured cyst, Rowen says.

That should be evaluated before having sex again, but will usually resolve on its own.

Uterine fibroidsare benign tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus.

Symptoms include painful sex, heavy periods, constipation, and abdominal bloating.

Cervicitis, or inflammation of the cervix, can happen for many reasons.

When the tissue is extra sensitive, penetration can be extremely painful.

Inadequate lubrication make sex uncomfortable and can cause irritation.

But some chronichealth conditionsthat impact mucous membranes, and dermatological issues in the vagina can also be to blame.

If youre having trouble lubricating, talk with your gyn aboutwhat might be causing it.

If it ever hurts to simply insert something into your vagina, see a doctor.

PIDis an infection of reproductive organs that usually happens when an STI goes untreated and spreads.

Sometimes, it can cause pain.

Depending on what causes it, PID can also be symptomless.

If left untreated for too long, it can ultimately lead to infertility.

In some cases, even sitting for too long orwearing tight pantscan make the area hurt.

For some women, this condition can develop later in life and make sex painful when it wasnt before.