Pain During Sex – When to Test for Infection or Inflammation
Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.
Pain during sex is more common than many people realise. Patients often feel sharp discomfort, burning, pressure, deep pelvic pain, or pain that lingers after sex. While dryness or tension can cause mild symptoms, pain during sex may also come from infection, inflammation, vitamin deficiency, low iron, hormonal imbalance or urinary issues.
Clinically, we see many London patients concerned about STIs, pelvic inflammation or unexplained discomfort after intercourse. Blood and urine tests are often the fastest way to understand the cause. This guide explains the reasons for pain during sex and the tests available at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre.
Why Pain Happens During Sex
Testing helps identify the exact cause.
Symptoms Linked to Pain During Sex
- sharp pain internally
- burning sensation
- pain with urination
- spotting
- pelvic pressure
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- fatigue
- discharge
- lower back pain
These symptoms indicate infection or inflammation.
When Pain During Sex Is Serious
Seek testing if you have:
- pain after sex
- new discharge
- spotting
- fever
- pelvic pain
- lower back pain
- nausea
- burning urination
- symptoms after a new partner
This may indicate infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Risk Factors in London
You are more likely to experience painful sex if you:
- recently had unprotected sex
- have a new partner
- have low vitamin D
- have low ferritin
- use scented products
- have a history of UTIs
- experience dryness
- have irregular cycles
- have high stress
These patterns are common among women aged 18 – 45.
What Tests Reveal About Pain During Sex
Advanced SH1 Sexual Health Panel
Detects:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhoea
- mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- trichomonas
- syphilis
- HIV (optional)
Best for pain with discharge, fever or spotting.
Urine Analysis
Useful when pain occurs with:
- burning
- frequency
- bladder pressure
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Checks for infection and inflammation.
CRP
Detects pelvic inflammatory disease.
Ferritin
Low iron increases pain sensitivity and cramping.
Vitamin D
Low levels worsen pelvic discomfort.
Thyroid Panel
Useful for cycle irregularities or hormonal imbalance.
Wellness Profile
Most complete option when symptoms are unclear.
Which MDC Profiles Are Best?
- Advanced SH1 – first-line test for painful sex
- Urine Analysis – when burning or frequency is present
- Ferritin – when pain appears with fatigue or heavy periods
- Vitamin D – for pain with low energy or winter symptoms
- Thyroid Profile – when dryness or hormonal symptoms occur
- Wellness Profile – for multi-symptom cases
Symptom – Test Table
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Test |
| Pain after sex | STI | Advanced SH1 |
| Burning after sex | UTI | Urine Analysis |
| Deep pelvic pain | PID | FBC, CRP |
| Pain + fatigue | Iron deficiency | Ferritin |
| Dryness + pain | Hormones | Thyroid Panel |
Clinical Insight
“Pain during sex is often linked to infection, inflammation or vitamin deficiency. Testing helps identify the cause and prevent complications.”
– Dr Lauren Holland
FAQs
Book Your Painful Sex Tests
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00
Fast, private results in 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents save 20%.
Quick Links
- STI Testing London
- Advanced Sexual Health Panel
- Cardiac Profile
- HbA1c Test
- Full Lipid Panel
- Fatigue and Energy Profile
- Kidney Function Test
- Electrolytes Test
- Liver Function Test
- Thyroid Function Test
- Magnesium Test
- Full Blood Count
- Urinalysis & Culture
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- Wellness Profile
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