Pelvic Pain
Dyspareunia
Related terms · Intercourse pain
Dyspareunia is a symptom where pain is felt at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis during or after sexual intercourse.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is dyspareunia?
EndometriosisThe exact cause is unknown and cannot be attributed to a single lifestyle habit. Dyspareunia is a symptom where pain is felt at the vaginal opening or deep within the pelvis during or after sexual intercourse.
- Easily confused terms
- We distinguish between entrance pain caused by vaginal dryness or inflammation and deep pelvic pain that may occur in conditions such as endometriosis, based on the location and situation.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- While respecting the changes identified through ultrasound and tests, we establish a treatment plan by examining how much pain, bleeding, bowel movements, and fatigue disrupt your daily life.
- What to record for your visit
- Please record the following with dates and show them during your consultation: pain during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, or urination; response to painkillers; results from ultrasound, MRI, laparoscopy, or pathology; history of hormone therapy or surgery; pregnancy plans or procedure schedules; and changes in fatigue, sleep, or digestion.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Chronic Pelvic PainChronic pelvic pain is a condition where pain in the pelvic area persists for a long time or recurs, affecting daily life.EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause inflammation and pain.Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is fluid produced in the vagina; clear or white discharge without a strong odor can change naturally according to the menstrual cycle.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideEndometriosisThe exact cause of endometriosis is not yet known. Research suggests it may involve retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood and tissue flow through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis; a process where the immune system fails to remove similar tissues outside the uterus; and genetic predisposition and hormonal influences. However, none of these explain every case or can confirm an individual's specific cause. A family history of endometriosis, early menarche, short cycles, or long menstrual periods are contexts that may increase risk, but they are not diagnoses themselves. If you experience recurring menstrual pain, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving, please seek an evaluation from an obstetrics and gynecology clinic rather than blaming yourself for the cause.→
- Condition GuideOvarian CystThe focus of ovarian cyst screening is vaginal or abdominal ultrasound to check the size and location of the cyst, and whether it contains simple fluid or has septations or solid components. If necessary, pregnancy tests, blood tests such as CA-125, and MRI are added, but cancer is not confirmed or excluded based on a single value alone. The interval for follow-up ultrasounds varies depending on age, menopausal status, shape, and symptoms.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat are the differences between menstrual cramps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids?Pain that occurs around the start of menstruation and is controlled with pain medication is common, but if the pain worsens every year, continues outside of menstruation, or occurs during intercourse or bowel movements, endometriosis is checked. Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, or an enlarged uterus, can appear in adenomyosis; while a feeling of pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding can appear in fibroids. We do not distinguish these by symptoms alone but tailor the necessary tests, such as physical examinations and ultrasounds.→
- Women's Health ColumnTreatment that varies depending on whether pelvic pain occurs only during menstruation or if there is discomfort during bowel movements and urination→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- ACOG: Chronic Pelvic PainCauses of chronic pelvic pain and functional impact assessment