Understanding Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurrent pain during or after sexual intercourse. It is one of the most common sexual health concerns in women — affecting up to 20% at some point — and can also affect men. The pain may be superficial (at the vaginal entrance) or deep (felt during penetration) and can range from mild discomfort to severe, incapacitating pain.
Dyspareunia can have a profound impact on confidence, relationships, and willingness to engage in any form of intimacy. Many people suffer in silence for years. With the right specialist support, most experience significant improvement — and in many cases complete resolution.
You're not alone : Painful sex is one of the most common reasons women seek gynaecological care. It is treatable — and you deserve to enjoy comfortable, pleasurable sexual intimacy.
Types of Dyspareunia
The Pain-Anxiety Cycle
Even when dyspareunia has a physical origin, psychological factors almost always develop alongside it. Pain leads to anticipatory anxiety about future sexual encounters. That anxiety causes muscle tension and avoidance, which increases pain, which reinforces anxiety further — creating a powerful, self-sustaining cycle that requires dedicated psychological treatment to break.
How Psychosexual Therapy Can Help
Psychosexual therapy addresses the psychological and relational dimensions of dyspareunia — particularly the pain-anxiety cycle — working alongside any medical treatment. Evidence-based approaches include anxiety management, sensate focus, pelvic floor relaxation work, and gradual reintroduction of pleasurable intimacy at your own pace.
Individual & Couple Therapy
Whether the priority is individual self-exploration or rebuilding intimacy as a couple, therapy is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to your unique circumstances.
What You Can Expect from Treatment
- Break the pain-anxiety cycle : Reduce anticipatory fear and muscle tension
- Rebuild intimacy gradually : Reintroduce pleasure at a pace that feels safe
- Address psychological factors : Work through anxiety, avoidance, trauma, or relationship issues
- Improve communication : Feel more able to discuss your needs openly with your partner
- Achieve comfortable sex : Most people experience significant reduction in pain with specialist support
What our clients say
Our Therapists
All our psychosexual therapists are registered members of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) — the UK's professional body for psychosexual and relationship therapy with over 40 years of expertise. Our therapists hold postgraduate qualifications in psychosexual and relationship therapy and many hold additional BACP or UKCP memberships.
Our therapists provide a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns freely and work towards meaningful, lasting change. Every treatment plan is tailored entirely to your individual situation, goals, and pace.
Confidentiality guaranteed: All sessions — in person or online — are conducted in strict confidence in accordance with COSRT's professional code of ethics.
Your First Session
Your first session is a warm, confidential conversation about your experience — what you have been noticing, how long it has been affecting you, and what you hope to achieve. There is no pressure and no predetermined agenda. Your therapist will listen carefully and develop a personalised treatment plan collaboratively with you.
Between Sessions
Psychosexual therapy involves work between sessions as well as within them. Your therapist will discuss any tasks, exercises, or reflections that may support your progress. These are always agreed collaboratively and tailored entirely to your situation and pace.
No GP Referral Needed
You do not need a GP referral to book with us. You can contact us directly for a confidential initial consultation. We are happy to work alongside your GP or other healthcare providers with your consent.
If you are in crisis: Apex Psychological Services is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact NHS 111, call 999, or attend your nearest A&E. Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free, any phone).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain during or after sexual intercourse. It affects both women and men, though it is significantly more common in women — affecting up to 20% at some point in their lives.
2. What causes painful sex?
Causes include physical factors (insufficient lubrication, vulvodynia, endometriosis, pelvic floor tension, infections, hormonal changes) and psychological factors (anxiety, trauma, anticipatory fear, relationship difficulties). Physical and psychological causes frequently combine and reinforce each other.
3. Does psychosexual therapy work for painful sex?
Yes. Psychosexual therapy addresses the psychological and relational dimensions of dyspareunia — particularly the pain-anxiety cycle — and works alongside any medical treatment. Most people experience significant improvement with specialist support.
4. Do I need a medical check first?
We recommend discussing painful sex with your GP to rule out physical causes. We are happy to work alongside your GP or gynaecologist as part of a coordinated approach.
5. Do you offer online therapy for painful sex?
Yes. We offer both in-person and online sessions. Online therapy is equally effective and provides greater privacy.
No referral needed: You can contact us directly without a GP referral or existing diagnosis. We respond to all enquiries within one working day, Monday to Friday.
Fees
Session Fees
Individual Sessions: £90 per session (50 minutes)
Couple Sessions: £130 per session (50 minutes)
Session Frequency
Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly sessions. You and your therapist will agree a frequency that suits your needs.
Both in-person and online appointments are available.
Please use our contact form to arrange a consultation. We respond within one working day.