A:  There are many possible causes of pain with penetrative sex. One potential cause is something called vaginismus. Vaginismus is the involuntary tensing of the vagina that occurs when something is entering it, such as a tampon or a penis. During penetration, the muscles in the vagina squeeze and contract, causing pain. Some treatment options for vaginismus include pelvic floor exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, or vaginal dilators.

Another possible cause of painful intercourse is vulvodynia which is a condition in which a person experiences pain in their vulva and surrounding areas. This pain may feel like a stinging, burning, itching, throbbing, or rawness. Treatment for vulvodynia includes pelvic floor therapy, nerve blockers, and mindfulness techniques.