Sexual health · For ages 13–17
Why does sex hurt during or afterwards?
If sex hurts, you can stop and get help finding the cause. Pain can come from the skin, muscles or other parts of the genital area.
What happens?
You can get help when sex is painful
Pain during or after sex can be related to a lack of lubrication, irritation, infection, tense muscles or pain conditions in the genital area. Some people feel pain at the vaginal opening, while others experience it deeper inside.
Pain can also cause the body to tense, which in turn can make insertion more difficult. If sex hurts, you do not have to continue.
Learn more
Which describes what you have noticed?
Choose the option that fits best to see guidance on what you can do next.
Pain at the vaginal opening can have several explanations and is not something you need to get used to. If it keeps happening, you can get it assessed.
Touch, dryness, irritation and muscle tension may all play a part. Repeated pain should be assessed even if the skin looks normal.
Take a break and choose only contact that feels good and safe for you. A healthcare appointment can help clarify what needs examination. You are not obliged to continue, and pain is not something you must train yourself to tolerate.
Deep pain during sex is something to tell a doctor about, especially if you also experience pain at other times.
Deep pain can have several causes. Explain whether you also have severe period pain, problems when using the toilet or bleeding after sex.
Describe when the pain happens and how long it lasts, and seek an assessment. Stop if it hurts. Sudden severe pain, fever or becoming very unwell needs prompt medical help.
Muscles can tighten involuntarily. Help is available, and you should not have to force your body through pain.
The muscles around the vaginal opening may tighten without you choosing it. Trying harder can make the situation more painful. It does not mean you have failed or need to prove you can do it.
Take a break and get an assessment tailored to you. Help may involve a doctor and a physiotherapist with relevant expertise. Any exercises should suit you and what you want help with.
What can you do now?
You can tell a healthcare professional where the pain is, when it happens and whether it occurs every time or only occasionally.
Stop what hurts. If the pain keeps coming back, make an appointment with your GP or a youth health clinic. Sudden severe pain, fever or feeling very unwell needs prompt assessment.
Find the words you need
Create a short message you can say, show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or a doctor.
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