Are Some Fibroids More Painful Than Others

Pain During Intercourse: A Sign of Uterine Fibroids

Pain during sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia, is persistent or recurring pain just before, during, or after sex. Women may experience pain externally, in the vulvar region, to the labia, or at the opening of the vagina. Some will feel it internally, in the cervix, uterus, or lower abdomen. Unfortunately, the reality is that uterine fibroids can cause pain during sex, which can also lead to negative emotional and psychological effects. 

If you are dealing with painful intercourse, you should consider being evaluated for fibroids. Getting an early diagnosis can help to relieve your symptoms more quickly and let you get back to your normal routine. Our affiliated physicians at American Fibroid Centers provide minimally invasive-image guided fibroid treatment for fibroids and their common symptoms, including pain during sex.

Symptoms of Pain During Intercourse

The most common symptom experienced by women with dyspareunia is pain with intercourse that occurs at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis. It can be a distinct pain in one area or throughout the entire genital region. Having sex with uterine fibroids can be difficult or uncomfortable due to other issues as well. If you have fibroids, you may also feel the following:

  • Sharp pain during penetration or at entry
  • Deep pain during thrusting
  • Burning sensations
  • Pelvic cramping
  • Throbbing or aching after intercourse
  • Muscle tightness or spasms

Causes of Pain During Intercourse

Pain during intercourse can affect women for many different reasons, including physical problems, gynecological conditions, and emotional issues. Uterine fibroids often cause painful sex due to their size and location. Larger fibroids can create a constant pressure — both in the uterus and against surrounding organs — that increases during sex. Common causes of this symptom include:

  • Ovarian cysts
  • Vaginal infections, such as yeast infections
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • STDs
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Menopause
Consultation for Fibroid Pain
Request A Consultation

Find out if you are at risk for Uterine Fibroids. 

How Do Fibroids Cause Pain During Intercourse?

Uterine fibroids located near the cervix are often responsible for pain during sexual intercourse. Pressure placed on these benign growths can cause anything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain and for some, friction can also be a factor. If you start experimenting with different sex positions, you may find that some are more comfortable or painful than others. 

Fibroids can impact sexual health and enjoyment in ways other than causing pain. Vaginal dryness, irregular periods, fatigue due to anemia, frequent urination, and bloating all may individually or collectively diminish your desire for sex. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids and are experiencing painful intercourse that is affecting your personal life and self-esteem, we encourage you to seek treatment with an American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physician.

African American Woman Looking Out Wndow

Treatment for Pain During Intercourse

Pain during sex does not always require medical treatment. If you’ve recently given birth, you should wait at least six weeks before attempting intercourse. In most cases, all you need to do is practice patience and gentleness. If your symptoms are related to uterine fibroids, there are certain ways to help relieve them.

Lifestyle Changes & Medications

If dryness is the main cause, it can be helpful to apply a water-based lubricant to your vagina, vulva, and labia. Those who have pain during sex often stop using vaginal perfumes, bubble baths or scented sanitary pads, or scented toilet paper.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

If uterine fibroids are the cause of your painful sex, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is the ideal treatment option. UFE is a minimally invasive-image guided procedure that gets rid of fibroids while preserving the uterus. Undergoing UFE will also alleviate your pain during intercourse.

Background Image Gray

What to Expect from UFE

Icon Checkmark
Preserves the uterus
Icon Checkmark
No general anesthesia required
Icon Checkmark
Faster recovery times
Icon Checkmark
Reduced heavy bleeding and pelvic pain
Request A Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

Our Fibroid Specialists

The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians are board certified and have extensive experience in treating uterine fibroids. Our team strives to deliver the best outcome possible for your condition. They will work closely with you to confirm a fibroid diagnosis and create an individualized care plan that suits your needs.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

Our state-of-the-art outpatient facilities feature the latest technology and tools available for uterine fibroid care. Each of our offices is managed by a team of medical experts who care about the health and well-being of each patient. Find your nearest American Fibroid Centers’ location in NY or NJ to meet with a fibroid specialist today.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
Visit Location
Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
Visit Location
Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
Visit Location
Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
Visit Location
West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
Visit Location

What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
js_loader

From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

Why Are My Uterine Fibroids Growing
Request A Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.