Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, can be confusing and upsetting, especially for young people. It means feeling pain during sexual activity, which may have many causes including infections, skin problems, or emotional stress. While telemedicine can help you understand symptoms and suggest initial care, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. This guide helps you recognize when pain during intercourse needs urgent attention and when telemedicine can support you safely. Remember, pain during sex is not uncommon, but it should not be ignored. Talking openly with a trusted adult or healthcare provider can help you find relief and support.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain that limits daily activities — seek immediate in-person care.
• Bleeding not related to menstrual periods or heavy bleeding — go to a healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as fever, swelling, redness, or foul-smelling discharge — urgent evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and concerns confidentially.
• Providing general guidance on symptom management.
• Offering emotional support and education about dyspareunia.
• Helping decide if in-person care is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests.
• Treating severe infections or injuries.
• Providing prescriptions that require physical assessment.
• Managing emergencies or urgent medical conditions.

What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia means pain during sexual activity. It can happen for many reasons, such as infections, dryness, skin irritation, or emotional factors like stress or anxiety. In young people, it may also relate to physical development or other health conditions. Understanding the cause is important for proper care.

Common Causes in Youth

Pain during intercourse in pediatric and adolescent patients can be due to:

Identifying the cause often requires a healthcare evaluation.

When to Seek In-Person Care: Red Flags

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention. Go to a healthcare provider in person if you experience:

These signs may indicate serious conditions that need prompt treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful for:

However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or tests needed for diagnosis.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, consider:

This preparation helps make the visit more effective.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow these steps after your tele-visit:

Good follow-up helps ensure your health and comfort.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a private, quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Write down your symptoms, including when pain occurs and its severity.
• List any medications, creams, or products you are using.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Have a trusted adult nearby if you want support during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Reach out for emotional support if you feel anxious or stressed.

FAQs

What causes painful intercourse in young people?

Painful intercourse can be caused by infections, dryness, skin irritation, emotional stress, or physical injury. In young people, it may also relate to developmental changes or allergic reactions.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of dyspareunia?

Telemedicine can help discuss symptoms and provide guidance but cannot replace a physical exam or tests often needed to diagnose the exact cause.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor in person if you have severe pain, unusual bleeding, signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness), urinary problems, or injury to the genital area.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about painful intercourse?

Prepare by finding a private space, writing down your symptoms and questions, listing any medications or products you use, and having a trusted adult nearby if you want support.

Is painful intercourse normal?

Pain during intercourse is not uncommon but should not be ignored. It often signals an underlying issue that can be treated with proper care.

Sources

1. Dyspareunia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sexual Health: Painful Intercourse — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. American Academy of Pediatrics: Adolescent Sexual Health — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any red flag symptoms or have concerns about your health, please seek evaluation from a healthcare provider in person.