How to Deal with Painful Orgasms: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

If you’re dealing with painful orgasms, you’re definitely not alone. It’s completely valid if you’re feeling a bit confused or embarrassed, but you have nothing to be ashamed of. Take a look at some of the facts, and see what options are available—you deserve to a fulfilling and comfortable sex life!

Question 1

Question 1 of 7:
Are painful orgasms normal?

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No, they’re not. Orgasms are supposed to be pleasant, and shouldn’t hurt at all.^{[1]
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Research source} If you’re dealing with painful orgasms, you’re not alone—at least 20% of women have dealt with them at one point.^{[2]
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Research source} Men can also experience them, too.^{[3]
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Question 2

Question 2 of 7:
What are some common symptoms?

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Your stomach or pelvic area might hurt a lot. Some people find that painful orgasms feel a lot like menstrual cramps. The pain might be brief, or it might be ongoing—it really depends on the person.^{[4]
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You might feel pain whenever you ejaculate. A lot of men experience an uncomfortable, painful, or burning feeling whenever they ejaculate. The level of pain may be different depending on the person.^{[5]
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You might experience a lot of pain near your genitals, anus, or urethra. Unfortunately, this pain is worse for some than others.^{[6]
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Question 3

Question 3 of 7:
How do I diagnose my painful orgasms?

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Ask a doctor to diagnose your painful orgasms. Painful orgasms can be caused by a lot of different factors, and it’s not a great idea to self-diagnose. Relay all your symptoms to your doctor, so they can pinpoint the possible issue. Your treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis.^{[7]
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- You should call a doctor if you experience pain during orgasms multiple times.^{[8]
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- If an STI is causing painful orgasms, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.^{[9]
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- Your doctor might recommend switching medications if they think certain pills, like antidepressants, are causing your pain.
- Ovarian cysts might be causing the problem.^{[10]
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  Research source} Your doctor might recommend taking birth control, or suggest that you have surgery.^{[11]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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Question 4

Question 4 of 7:
Can painful orgasms be psychological or mental?

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Yes, they can. Past trauma, like sexual assault or sexual abuse, can play a big part in your ability to enjoy sex. Additionally, if you deal with a lot of stress in your daily life, you might carry and feel that stress flare up around your pelvis or vagina.^{[12]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 7:
How do I address painful orgasms caused by psychological issues?

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Meet with a counselor or sex therapist. Schedule an appointment with a mental or sexual health professional, who can listen and offer advice based on your past experiences. In therapy, you’ll also focus on the pain you’re experiencing right now, instead of solely talking about the past. Through therapy, you might be able to work through your past and current struggles.^{[13]
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- If therapy is out of your price range or comfort zone, a self-help book might be a better option.^{[14]
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Question 6

Question 6 of 7:
How can I retrain myself to enjoy sex?

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Schedule pelvic floor therapy. A pelvic floor therapist can help target any tight nerves or muscles, and help you feel more physically comfortable the next time you’re intimate. Ask your doctor for a referral, or search online for therapists near you.^{[15]
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- You can also try relaxing your pelvic floor at home.
- Pelvic floor therapy and sex therapy often go hand in hand.^{[16]
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Question 7

Question 7 of 7:
Is there a way to prevent the pain before or after?

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Take a painkiller if muscle spasms are causing your painful orgasms. If your doctor thinks that muscle cramps or spasms are causing the pain, take ibuprofen or another painkiller before getting intimate.^{[17]
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- If your muscles are contracting at the wrong times, your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant.
- You can also take painkillers after sex if you’re still experiencing some pain. Hot water bottles are also a great option.^{[18]
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