Dyspareunia Treatment: What Works and What to Ask Your Doctor

When sex hurts, it’s not just physical—it’s emotional, relational, and often deeply isolating. Dyspareunia, the medical term for persistent or recurrent pain during sexual intercourse. Also known as painful intercourse, it affects up to 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives, and many more go undiagnosed because they assume it’s normal. This isn’t just "dryness" or "not being ready." It’s a signal your body is sending, and ignoring it only makes things worse.

Dyspareunia treatment starts with understanding the cause. For some, it’s hormonal—especially after childbirth or menopause, when estrogen drops and vaginal tissue thins. Others have pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition where muscles in the pelvic area become too tight or spasm. This can happen from stress, trauma, or even prolonged sitting. Then there’s vaginal dryness, often mistaken for a simple lubrication issue but sometimes tied to autoimmune conditions or medications like antidepressants. And let’s not forget infections, endometriosis, or scar tissue from surgery. Each needs a different fix.

What you’ll find in this collection aren’t generic tips or miracle cures. These are real comparisons and practical guides from people who’ve been there. You’ll see how topical estrogen creams stack up against non-hormonal options like ospemifene. You’ll read about pelvic floor physical therapy—not just the theory, but what the sessions actually feel like and how many it takes to notice change. There’s even a breakdown of how certain antidepressants can worsen pain and what alternatives exist. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and why.

If you’ve been told to "relax" or "try more foreplay," you know that’s not enough. Dyspareunia treatment isn’t about willpower—it’s about targeted care. Below, you’ll find clear, no-nonsense comparisons of treatments that actually help. No guesswork. Just facts you can use to talk to your doctor—or finally get the relief you deserve.