Improve Sexual Wellbeing & Intimacy
Address Discomfort During Sex
Pain or discomfort during sex is common, it is not something you have to put up with, and it has many causes that a clinician can often identify and treat. This page is about the pain or discomfort itself; desire, arousal, orgasm, performance anxiety and medicine side effects have their own goal pages.
General information, not medical advice. Last updated November 1, 2026. Written by the AlternativeMed editorial team. Not medically reviewed.
Start here
- Pause, change what you are doing or stop whenever sex hurts: pain is a signal to slow down, not something to push through.
- Note when it hurts (at entry, deeper inside, with erection, after sex), how long it has lasted and anything that makes it better or worse, then book a visit with a doctor or sexual health clinic.
- Try the simple comfort measures in this page, such as a water- or silicone-based lubricant, more time to relax, and positions or activities that do not hurt.
Be careful with
- Do not keep going through pain; it can tighten muscles and make the pain, and the worry about it, worse.
- Do not buy pills or supplements sold online for sexual problems: the FDA warns that many such products likely contain hidden drug ingredients.
- Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own because of sexual pain; talk to the prescriber.
Get help when
- Pain during sex that is new, getting worse or keeps coming back (Cleveland Clinic lists new or worsening pain as a reason to see a provider).
- Bleeding, including bleeding during sex, genital sores or lesions, irregular periods or unusual vaginal discharge.
- Pain or burning when passing urine, fever, or pelvic pain, which can go with an infection or other condition that needs checking.
- A hard lump on the penis, a curve when erect, or painful erections.
- A painful erection lasting more than 3 to 4 hours is an emergency (NHS says call 999 or go to A&E in the UK; use your local emergency number elsewhere).
- Painful sex after childbirth, pelvic surgery or cancer treatment, or pain linked to a past assault or abuse.
About Address Discomfort During Sex
What this goal means
This goal is about genital or pelvic pain or discomfort before, during or after sex. Cleveland Clinic describes dyspareunia as persistent or recurring genital pain just before, during or after sex, and says it can affect people of any gender, though it is more often discussed in women.
It does not mean something is wrong with you or your relationship. Pain can come from the body, from muscles, from stress or past experiences, or from a mix, and each has different options.
1What it can feel like
People describe burning, stinging, tearing, aching or sharp pain at entry, deeper pelvic pain with thrusting, pain with an erection or ejaculation, or soreness afterwards. NHS describes vaginismus as the vagina tightening involuntarily when something is inserted, sometimes with burning or stinging pain, and vulvodynia as long-lasting burning, throbbing or sore vulval pain that may be triggered by touch or sex.
Worry about pain can lead to bracing or avoiding intimacy, which in turn can make the next time harder.
2,3,1What can contribute
Cleveland Clinic lists many contributors in women: not enough lubrication, infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and STIs, endometriosis, skin conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel and bladder conditions, hormonal changes including perimenopause and breastfeeding, nerve problems, vulvodynia, vaginismus, childbirth injury and intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth, and psychological factors. In men it describes pain in the penis, testicles or pelvis.
NHS notes that vaginal dryness, burning, irritation or itching can make sex painful and may continue after menopause. A systematic review found that a history of sexual abuse was linked with dyspareunia, and sexual or emotional abuse with vaginismus, so a caring clinician may ask about this.
1,4,5Conditions that can be behind it
Causes a clinician may look for include infections, skin conditions, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, endometriosis and fibroids, pelvic floor muscle tension, vulvodynia, vaginismus, prostate or pelvic pain conditions in men, and Peyronie's disease, where a hard lump on the penis can make erections painful and curved. Getting assessed is how the cause is found.
1,6,7Realistic expectations
Treatment depends on the cause, and Cleveland Clinic says a provider can usually find a treatment that improves or eliminates the pain. Some measures work quickly (for example lubrication when dryness is the cause); others, such as pelvic floor physical therapy or sex therapy, take weeks to months and are usually guided by a specialist.
In a systematic review of pelvic floor physical therapy, benefit was reported but most studies were small and at risk of bias, so results are encouraging rather than guaranteed.
1,8Who this applies to
Adults of any gender, orientation or age, including people who are pregnant or postpartum, in or after menopause, living with disability or after cancer treatment. A meta-analysis estimated that about 35% of women reported dyspareunia after childbirth, falling to about 22% at 6 to 12 months, so it is common and often improves with time. Pain with a first penetrative experience or after an assault deserves gentle, specialist support.
9Related conditions and symptoms
Pelvic floor health and pelvic pain → Endometriosis and fibroids → Prostatitis and pelvic pain in men → Urinary tract infections and urinary symptoms → Anxiety disorders → Trauma and PTSD →
A manageable starting plan
An educational starting point, not a personal prescription. Adjust it to your own situation and any advice from your clinician.
Your first actions
- Book an appointment and write a short note of when and where it hurts.
- Pause or stop whenever it hurts, and use a water- or silicone-based unscented lubricant.
- Avoid scented products near the genitals; use loose cotton underwear.
- Talk with a partner about what is comfortable, and widen what counts as intimacy while you get help.
Optional additions
- Try a lukewarm bath and slow breathing before intimacy.
- Ask about pelvic floor physiotherapy or sex therapy.
- Use pads instead of tampons if tampons hurt.
What to track
- Where, when and how strongly it hurts (entry, deep, after sex).
- What helps and what makes it worse.
- Any bleeding, discharge, fever or urinary symptoms.
When to reassess
If the pain is still present after a couple of weeks of simple measures, or returns, see a clinician; do not wait months.
When to seek professional support
- See a GP or sexual health clinic.
- Ask for a pelvic floor physiotherapist or sex therapist referral if muscles or fear are involved.
- If pain is linked to assault or abuse, speak to a doctor or a trusted support service in your area.
What helps
Ordered by how well the research supports each step. Evidence strength is shown on every card; precautions sit next to the advice.
Start here
See a clinician to look for the cause
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Finds treatable causes and a clear plan
Why it may help: Cleveland Clinic says treatment depends on the cause and lists infections, skin conditions, pelvic floor problems, hormonal changes and other conditions. NHS advises seeing a GP or sexual health clinic if you think you have vaginismus, and if vulval pain keeps returning or makes sex difficult. You can ask for a doctor of a particular gender and bring a trusted person or chaperone.
How to apply it: Write down when and where it hurts and for how long. Ask for an examination and tests for infection if relevant. Ask about referral to a pelvic floor physiotherapist or sex therapist if muscles or fear of pain are involved.
Who it may suit: Anyone with pain that is new, worsening or recurrent.
Precautions: Do not self-treat with creams or remedies before infection and skin problems are ruled out.
1,2,3Women's health: when to get help → Men's health: when to get help →
Slow down, stop when it hurts and change what you do
Low certaintyAddresses: Lowers pain and rebuilds trust in your body
Why it may help: Cleveland Clinic advises trying activities or positions that do not cause pain and relaxing and reducing stress before sex. NHS suggests trying different positions for vulval pain. Staying relaxed matters because pain and worry can tighten pelvic muscles.
How to apply it: Agree a stop word with a partner. Spend longer on touch that feels good, choose positions where you control depth and pace, and widen what counts as intimacy while the cause is being treated.
Who it may suit: Anyone with pain during penetration.
Precautions: If pain is sharp, with bleeding, or does not settle, stop and get checked.
1,3Communicate More Comfortably About Intimacy → Build Emotional & Physical Connection →
Use a water- or silicone-based lubricant
Moderate certaintyAddresses: May reduce friction and pain from dryness
Why it may help: Cleveland Clinic lists a water- or silicone-based lubricant as a home measure, and NHS advises lubricant for vulval pain. Not enough lubrication is a commonly listed cause of pain in women.
How to apply it: Apply generously, reapply as needed, and choose unscented types. If dryness is frequent, see the vaginal dryness page and ask about longer-term options.
Who it may suit: People with dryness, including around menopause or breastfeeding.
Precautions: Perfumed or irritating products can sting; stop if burning or itching occurs. If you use condoms, ask a pharmacist which lubricant types are compatible.
1,3Additional options
Avoid irritants around the genitals
Low certaintyAddresses: Reduces soreness and flare-ups
Why it may help: Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding vaginal perfumes, bubble baths, scented sanitary pads and fragranced toilet paper or wipes. NHS advises avoiding douching, scented soaps and deodorants near the vagina and very hot baths for vulval pain, and suggests loose cotton underwear.
How to apply it: Use lukewarm water and plain, unscented products. Use pads rather than tampons if tampons hurt.
Who it may suit: People with burning, itching or vulval soreness.
Precautions: Persistent itching, rash or sores need examination, not repeated self-treatment.
1,3Relaxation before sex
Low certaintyAddresses: Eases muscle tightness and anxiety
Why it may help: Cleveland Clinic lists relaxing and reducing stress before sex as a home measure. NHS suggests relaxation methods such as yoga or mindfulness for vulval pain and stress, and lists breathing and gentle touch exercises as part of vaginismus self-help.
How to apply it: Try slow breathing, a lukewarm bath or a body-scan before intimacy. Do not treat relaxation as a requirement: it supports, not replaces, finding the cause.
Who it may suit: People whose muscles tense in anticipation of pain.
Precautions: Relaxation cannot fix infection, skin disease or hormonal causes.
1,3,2Pelvic floor exercises and gradual dilator practice (guided)
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Helps muscles relax and become used to touch or insertion
Why it may help: NHS lists pelvic floor exercises, sensate focus and vaginal trainers (graded, tampon-shaped objects) within self-help for vaginismus and vulvodynia after initial guidance. A systematic review of pelvic floor physical therapy found benefit in several pelvic pain conditions but small, low-quality studies.
How to apply it: Ask a pelvic floor physiotherapist or sex therapist to show you how, and to tell you whether the aim is strengthening or relaxing, because tight muscles may need relaxation rather than squeezing.
Who it may suit: People with vaginismus, pelvic floor tension or vulval pain.
Precautions: Doing strengthening exercises when muscles are already too tight may not help; take advice first.
2,3,8Still being studied
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Can reduce pain and improve quality of life
Why it may help: A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of physical therapy for women with dyspareunia (19 studies) found electrotherapy, and electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training, significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life but not sexual function. A separate review of pelvic floor physical therapy for muscle overactivity found 10 studies, mostly at high risk of bias, with three of four randomized trials showing benefit.
How to apply it: Delivered by a trained pelvic health physiotherapist, usually over several weeks.
Who it may suit: Women with pain linked to pelvic floor muscle problems.
Precautions: Quality of studies is limited. Some techniques are internal and need your consent at every step.
10,8Moisturisers and, for menopause, clinician-prescribed vaginal hormone treatment
Moderate certaintyAddresses: May improve dryness and pain linked to menopause
Why it may help: A systematic review of 46 randomized trials in postmenopausal women found vaginal estrogen may improve vulvovaginal dryness and pain with sex, and that vaginal moisturizers may improve some symptoms, but most trials lasted 12 weeks or less. The AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline says local low-dose vaginal estrogen has the most robust evidence among GSM treatments.
How to apply it: Moisturisers are used on a regular schedule, not only at the time of sex. Hormone treatments are a clinician decision based on your health history.
Who it may suit: Postmenopausal people with dryness and pain; also some who are breastfeeding or after cancer treatment, under specialist advice.
Precautions: Anyone with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions needs specialist advice before any hormone product. Long-term data are scarce.
11,6Perimenopause and menopause → Support Your Wellbeing Through Menopause →
Food & nutrition
Food and drink
We did not find reliable human trials showing that any food, drink or supplement treats pain during sex in general. Eating well and staying hydrated support overall health, but diet is not a treatment for dyspareunia.
A 2024 meta-analysis found dietary changes and supplements may affect pain in endometriosis, which is one possible cause, but that is a separate condition and not a sourced treatment for painful sex.
1,11Remedies & supplements
Traditional use, laboratory findings and human trials are kept apart. "Natural" does not mean safe.
Water- or silicone-based lubricant
Moderate certaintyStudied form and route: Topical, applied at the time of sex
Intended outcome: Less friction and discomfort
Human evidence: Cleveland Clinic lists a water- or silicone-based lubricant as a home measure, and low lubrication as a common cause of pain in women. NHS advises lubricant for vulval pain.
Traditional use: No traditional use is described in the sources we read.
Laboratory findings: Not assessed here.
Limits: Helps with dryness-related pain, not other causes. We did not review product comparisons.
Interactions and precautions: Choose unscented. Stop if stinging or itching occurs. Check condom compatibility with a pharmacist.
1,3Vaginal moisturiser
Low certaintyStudied form and route: Topical, used regularly
Intended outcome: May ease dryness-related symptoms after menopause
Human evidence: A systematic review of 46 randomized trials found vaginal moisturizers may improve some symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, based on four trials, mostly 12 weeks or less.
Traditional use: No traditional use is described in the sources we read.
Laboratory findings: Not assessed here.
Limits: Few trials; long-term data scarce.
Interactions and precautions: Patch test sensitive skin; ask about hormone-sensitive conditions before any hormonal product.
11,6Lukewarm bath before sex
Not enough evidenceStudied form and route: Self-care
Intended outcome: Relaxation and muscle ease
Human evidence: We did not find trials testing a warm bath alone. The sources we read advise relaxing before sex (Cleveland Clinic) and lukewarm rather than very hot baths for vulval pain (NHS).
Traditional use: A common self-care practice; no sourced detail.
Laboratory findings: Not assessed here.
Limits: Comfort measure only.
Interactions and precautions: NHS advises avoiding very hot baths for vulval pain; use lukewarm water.
3,1Therapies & care
Established professional care is chosen according to the cause. A clinician can examine you, test for infection, review medicines and refer you to a pelvic floor physiotherapist, sex therapist or specialist. This page does not recommend medicines or doses, and you should not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Examination and testing
Moderate certaintyMedical assessment A doctor or sexual health clinic can examine you, look for infection or skin conditions and decide whether imaging or a specialist referral is needed. NHS says a GP may examine you to rule out conditions such as infection when vaginismus is suspected.
Who it may suit: Anyone with painful sex.
Precautions: You can ask for a doctor of a preferred gender and a chaperone.
2,1Pelvic floor physical therapy
Moderate certaintyPhysical therapy A trained physiotherapist teaches relaxation, breathing and muscle techniques. Reviews report benefit for pain and quality of life, with limited study quality.
Who it may suit: People with pelvic floor tension, vulval pain or dyspareunia.
Precautions: Consent at each step; some techniques are internal.
10,8Psychosexual (sex) therapy and counselling
Moderate certaintyTalking therapy NHS lists psychosexual therapy as a main treatment for vaginismus and, with CBT, as an option for vulvodynia. It helps change feelings about the body and sex and uses graded exercises, sometimes with a partner.
Who it may suit: People with fear of pain, vaginismus, anxiety or past trauma.
Precautions: Choose a trained, trauma-informed therapist.
2,3Treatment of the underlying condition
Moderate certaintyMedical care Cleveland Clinic lists hormone treatment for low-estrogen dryness, treatment of infections and other medical conditions and, in some cases, surgery. A clinician decides on any prescription, and a guideline notes local vaginal estrogen has the most robust evidence for menopause-related symptoms.
Who it may suit: People with an identified cause.
Precautions: Hormone treatments need individual advice, especially with hormone-sensitive conditions.
1,6Care for pain in men
Low certaintyMedical assessment NHS advises seeing a GP for a lump or curve of the penis or painful erections; mild Peyronie's disease may need no treatment, while other options exist for severe cases. Pelvic pain in men may relate to prostatitis.
Who it may suit: Men with painful erections, curve, or pelvic or testicular pain.
Precautions: Painful erection over 3 to 4 hours is an emergency.
7,12What to avoid
Habits, products and claims that can get in the way. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the professional who prescribed it.
Risks that apply to most people
Pushing through pain
Low certaintyWhy: Pain is a signal. Continuing can increase muscle tension and fear, and may injure delicate tissue, and the cause stays untreated.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
Try instead: Pause, change activity or position, and arrange an assessment.
1,2Scented, harsh or irritating products near the genitals
Low certaintyWhy: Cleveland Clinic and NHS both advise avoiding perfumes, bubble baths, scented pads and wipes, douching and scented soaps, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Who it applies to: Anyone with burning, itching or vulval soreness.
Try instead: Use plain water or unscented products and loose cotton underwear.
1,3Staying silent about the pain
Low certaintyWhy: Pain that is hidden often gets worse and affects closeness. NHS and Cleveland Clinic both treat it as a common, treatable problem to bring to a clinician.
Who it applies to: Everyone, especially if embarrassed.
Try instead: Tell a partner what hurts, and ask a clinician; you can request a doctor of a particular gender or a chaperone.
3,1Personal triggers to check
Sex too soon after childbirth or pelvic surgery
Moderate certaintyWhy: Cleveland Clinic lists intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth, and tears from childbirth, among causes of pain. A meta-analysis found postpartum dyspareunia in about 35% of women overall, higher in the first 6 months.
Who it applies to: People who are recently postpartum or recovering from surgery.
Try instead: Wait until you feel ready and a clinician has checked healing; use lubricant and go slowly.
1,9Untreated infection
Moderate certaintyWhy: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and STIs are listed causes of painful sex; many STIs cause no symptoms and the only way to know is testing (NHS).
Who it applies to: Sexually active people, especially with new partners, discharge, sores or pain on urinating.
Try instead: Get tested at a sexual health clinic or GP and avoid sex without a condom or dental dam until checked.
1,13Products that need caution
Online "male-enhancement" or sexual-performance pills
Evidence againstWhy: The FDA warns that many sexual enhancement products likely contain dangerous undisclosed ingredients and can cause severe health problems and hospitalisation, and the FDA list covers only a small share of such products.
Who it applies to: Anyone tempted by products marketed as natural or as dietary supplements for sexual problems.
Try instead: See a clinician about the cause of the pain or problem; do not buy these products.
14Numbing or "desensitising" products used to push through pain
Low certaintyWhy: Numbing the area hides the warning signal while the cause remains. NHS lists numbing creams only as a clinician-guided part of vulvodynia treatment.
Who it applies to: Anyone who uses numbing products to continue painful sex.
Try instead: Discuss pain-relief options with a clinician; address the cause.
3Unsupported claims
"It is all in your head"
Moderate certaintyWhy: Psychological factors can contribute, but Cleveland Clinic lists many physical causes, and a clinician should check for those first.
Who it applies to: Anyone told to just relax.
Try instead: Ask for a physical assessment as well as support for stress, fear or past experiences.
1,5"A natural cream or supplement will cure it"
Not enough evidenceWhy: We did not find reliable trials showing herbal or supplement products treat painful sex generally. Treatment depends on the cause (Cleveland Clinic).
Who it applies to: Anyone looking for a quick natural fix.
Try instead: Find the cause first; use evidence-based comfort measures.
1Common mistakes
Using only lubricant when the cause is muscle or skin related
Low certaintyWhy: Lubricant helps with dryness, but vaginismus, pelvic floor tension and skin conditions need different care (NHS, Cleveland Clinic).
Who it applies to: People whose pain continues despite lubricant.
Try instead: Go back to a clinician; ask about pelvic floor therapy, skin assessment or sex therapy.
1,2Stopping a prescribed medicine on your own
Low certaintyWhy: Sexual side effects are discussed on a separate page; stopping a medicine without advice can be harmful.
Who it applies to: Anyone taking prescribed medicines.
Try instead: Talk to the prescriber about your concerns.
1Evidence & safety
What the research shows
Reliable sources agree that pain during sex is common, has many physical and psychological causes and usually responds to treatment of the cause. Simple comfort measures (lubricant, avoiding irritants, changing positions, relaxation) are advised by Cleveland Clinic and NHS. Pelvic floor physical therapy has encouraging but limited evidence. For menopause-related pain, vaginal estrogen (a clinician decision) has the most robust evidence, with moisturizers helping some symptoms. We did not find reliable evidence for supplements or herbs.
Limits of the evidence
- Many physical therapy studies are small and at high risk of bias.
- Menopause trials were mostly 12 weeks or less.
- Evidence for men is much thinner than for women.
- Prevalence figures vary between studies and populations.
Precautions and interactions
- Pain with bleeding, fever or sores needs prompt assessment.
- Hormone products need individual advice, particularly with hormone-sensitive conditions.
- Do not use online sexual-enhancement pills: the FDA warns of hidden ingredients.
- Never stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your prescriber.
Life-stage considerations
- Pregnancy and postpartum: pain is common after childbirth (about 35% in one meta-analysis), and tears or healing may need review; ask a midwife or doctor.
- Breastfeeding: hormonal changes can cause dryness; see a clinician.
- Menopause: low estrogen can cause dryness and pain; options exist.
- Older adults: dryness and pain are common and treatable.
- Young adults and first-time penetration: go slowly and seek advice if pain persists.
Warning signs
- Bleeding, genital sores, unusual discharge or fever.
- Hard lump, curve or painful erection of the penis.
- Erection lasting more than 3 to 4 hours: emergency care.
- Pain after assault or abuse: speak to a doctor or support service.
Claim checks
Painful sex is normal and you just have to put up with it
False: it is common, but it is treatable and worth raising with a clinician.
1Male-enhancement pills sold online are a safe natural fix
Not supported and risky
14Pelvic floor therapy helps painful sex
Possibly, with limited quality of evidence
10,8Vaginal moisturizers and estrogen help menopause-related pain
Some benefit shown in short trials
11,6Questions people ask
Is pain during sex common?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic says up to 28% of people in the US will experience painful sex at least once, and this may be an underestimate because many do not seek help.
What causes pain at the entrance versus deeper inside?
Causes vary and a clinician needs to examine you. Cleveland Clinic lists dryness, infections, skin conditions, pelvic floor problems, endometriosis, bladder and bowel conditions and psychological factors among them.
Can men have painful sex?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic notes pain in the penis, testicles or pelvis, and NHS describes Peyronie's disease with a lump, curve or painful erections. See a GP.
What is vaginismus?
NHS describes it as the vaginal muscles tightening involuntarily when something is inserted. It is treatable, usually with psychosexual therapy, vaginal trainers and relaxation exercises.
What is vulvodynia?
NHS describes long-lasting vulval pain lasting at least three months with no clear cause. Treatment focuses on pain management and may involve several specialists.
Will lubricant fix it?
It can help when dryness is the cause, and Cleveland Clinic and NHS recommend it as a home measure. If pain continues, see a clinician.
Is painful sex after childbirth normal?
It is common: a meta-analysis estimated about 35% of women had dyspareunia after childbirth, falling over time. Still, tell a midwife or doctor, especially if there is a tear or ongoing pain.
Should I get tested for STIs?
If you have symptoms, a new partner or worry after unprotected sex, yes. NHS says the only way to know for sure is to get tested, and many STIs have no symptoms.
Can stress or past trauma cause pain?
They can contribute. A meta-analysis found an association between sexual abuse history and dyspareunia. Support and trauma-informed therapy exist; you do not have to explain more than you wish.
Are there supplements that treat painful sex?
We did not find reliable human evidence for supplements in general. The FDA warns about hidden drugs in many sexual-enhancement products, so talk to a clinician.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Dyspareunia (painful intercourse): causes and treatment. Read 2026-11-01. source
- NHS. Vaginismus. Read 2026-11-01. source
- NHS. Vulvodynia. Read 2026-11-01. source
- NHS. Menopause: symptoms. Read 2026-11-01. source
- Tetik S, Yalcinkaya Alkar O. Vaginismus, dyspareunia and abuse history: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sex Med. 2021. PMID 34366265. source
- Kaufman MR, et al. The AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline on genitourinary syndrome of menopause. J Urol. 2025. PMID 40298120. source
- NHS. Peyronie's disease. Read 2026-11-01. source
- van Reijn-Baggen DA, et al. Pelvic floor physical therapy for pelvic floor hypertonicity: a systematic review of treatment efficacy. Sex Med Rev. 2022. PMID 34127429. source
- Banaei M, et al. Prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2021. PMID 33300122. source
- Fernandez-Perez P, et al. Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in women with dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Womens Health. 2023. PMID 37482613. source
- Danan ER, et al. Hormonal treatments and vaginal moisturizers for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2024. PMID 39250810. source
- NHS. Priapism. Read 2026-11-01. source
- NHS. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Read 2026-11-01. source
- US Food and Drug Administration. Sexual enhancement and energy product notifications. Read 2026-11-01. source
Related on AlternativeMed
Related goals
Manage Vaginal Dryness → Address Arousal Difficulties → Understand Changes in Sexual Desire → Support Healthy Erectile Function → Understand Orgasm Concerns → Manage Sexual Performance Anxiety → Communicate More Comfortably About Intimacy → Build Emotional & Physical Connection → Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing → Support Your Wellbeing Through Menopause →
Research, safety and claim-check resources
Improve Sexual Wellbeing & Intimacy → Women's health: when to get help → Men's health: when to get help → Perimenopause and menopause → Therapy for anxiety and stress →