Let’s face it. When things are working well, we don’t think a lot about things down there. Generally, our genitals are comfortable, and sex is pleasurable. But if we experience genital or sexual pain, things aren’t so good. And for some, this can be even more troublesome as our genitals are very private, and it’s difficult to talk about – especially if it involves sex.

But genital and sexual pain are common. They can affect anyone at any age – and impact our lives in many ways. You may be experiencing various types of sensitivity, discomfort, irritation or pain in the genital area. Perhaps you might have difficulty inserting a tampon or feel irritation wearing tight clothing like jeans or leggings. Sitting or standing for long periods is uncomfortable for some, while others want to avoid exercising.

When it comes to sexual pain, you may have painful intercourse, pain with arousal, erection, ejaculation or orgasm, or even pain after sex. This can add up over time, becoming increasingly distressing or embarrassing. Consequently, you may feel ashamed, avoid intimacy or suffer from a loss of self-esteem.