In many cases, a woman can experience painful sex if there is not sufficient vaginal lubrication. When this occurs, the pain can be resolved if the female becomes more relaxed, if the amount of foreplay is increased, or if the couple uses a sexual lubricant.

In some cases, a woman can experience painful intercourse if one of the following conditions is present:
- Vaginismus. This is a common condition in which there is a spasm in the vaginal muscles, mainly caused by the fear of being hurt.
- Vaginal infections. These conditions are common and include yeast infections.
- Problems with the cervix (opening to the uterus). In this case, the penis can reach the cervix at maximum penetration, so problems with the cervix (such as infections) can cause pain during deep penetration.
- Problems with the uterus. These problems may include fibroids that can cause deep intercourse pain.
- Endometriosis. A condition in which the endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus.
- Problems with the ovaries. Such problems might include cysts on the ovaries.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. The tissues deep inside become badly inflamed and the pressure of intercourse causes deep pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy in which a fertilized egg develops outside of the uterus.
- Menopause. The vaginal lining can lose its normal moisture and become dry.
- Intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. These may include genital warts, herpes sores, or other STDs.
- Injury to the vulva or vagina. These injuries may include a tear from childbirth or from a cut (episiotomy) in the perenium (area of skin between the vagina and the anus) that is made during labor.
- Emotional Pain. About 90% of intercourse-related discomfort has a physical cause, but emotions can be responsible, too.