When Sex Hurts: A Woman's Guide to Banishing Sexual Pain

Authors: Andrew Goldstein MD, Irwin Goldstein MD, and Caroline Pukall PhD.

When Sex Hurts addresses the topic of painful sex for people with vulvas, providing medical and psychological information about many of the conditions which can lead to painful intercourse or vaginal pain.

The authors thoughtfully approach the topic, spending time addressing how they came to write this book and their struggle to discover the knowledge they share within it, along with their personal journeys and interactions with various health practitioners who could do very little to explain the prevalent phenomena of painful sex. At every step When Sex Hurts affirms the reader, giving readers confidence and information to help them advocate for their health by providing thorough explanations of various conditions, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. For the reader dealing with pain upon intercourse, or just general pain in the vulva or vagina, this book provides a well organized approach to addressing pain in a healthy, constructive way.

The authors guide the reader through communicating with medical professionals about diagnosis and treatment options, as well as how to communicate with sexual partners to find ways to experience sexual pleasure and intimacy. By teaching readers things even many gynecologists don’t know When Sex Hurts is the perfect book for people who experience painful intercourse, vaginal or vulvar pain, or partner’s of those who do. For the approximate 40% of women who experience painful sex and find little help, this book is a perfect first step to taking control of pain and attaining personal agency over sexual health and pleasure.