Sexual contact, in addition to pleasure, can lead to the appearance of discomfort or even serious pain. The medical term for painful sex is dyspareunia. Symptoms can vary depending on the person and the cause. The presence of infections, injuries, allergies and certain health conditions can increase the risk of pain during or after sex. Pain associated with intercourse is more common in women than in men. In men, it is usually felt on the outer surface of the penis, while in women it can affect different areas. Discomfort is possible on the vulva, the entrance to the vagina, in its depth, on the uterus or the lower part of the pelvis. Most often, the pain associated with sexual contact is due to various infections or dryness in the woman’s vagina. It is possible that the pain is due to vaginitis, which is the result of a fungal infection of the vagina or a urinary tract infection. When the female genital organs are swollen, friction during intercourse can cause additional pain or a burning sensation. Pain as a result of infection can also be observed in men. Usually, after the treatment of the disease, the complaints also stop. Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can also cause pain and burning due to inflammation of the vagina. It is also possible to have an unusual discharge or the appearance of pain and burning during urination. Pelvic inflammatory disease is another type of infection of the upper female reproductive organs that often results from untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen, scarring, infertility, damage to the fallopian tubes, chills, systemic infection, abscess formation, bleeding during sex or between periods, and pain during urination. Vaginal dryness is another cause of pain. It can be a result of hormonal changes. Women who have given birth and are breastfeeding could have lower levels of estrogen in their body, which can lead to vaginal dryness and pain. Likewise, perimenopausal women and during menopause can also have lower estrogen levels and lead to vaginal dryness and inflammation. This vaginal dryness can also be a symptom of vaginal atrophy. This is a condition in which the vagina thins, becomes dry, and frequent inflammations can be observed.