The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia, defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sex. Treatments focus on the cause, and can help eliminate or lessen this common problem. Common physical causes of dyspareunia include: vaginal dryness from menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding, medications, or too little arousal before intercourse. skin disorders that cause ulcers, cracks, itching, or burning. infections, such as yeast or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Dyspareunia can also lead to sexual difficulties, such as lack of sexual desire and arousal, and can cause trouble in sexual relationships. It can have a significant impact on physical as well as mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, hypervigilance to pain, negative body image, and low self-esteem.