Sex is supposed to be passionate and enjoyable, but for many women, that is not the case.

Researchers estimate that up to 60 per cent of women experience dyspareunia - or painful intercourse - a condition where genital pain occurs just before, during or after intercourse.

"Painful sex is common in the early period of sexual relations due to poor natural lubrication or nervousness, but can occur in later life as a result of other diseases," Dr Tan Yew Ghee, a obstetrician and gynaecologist at Raffles Hospital tells Simply Her.

"The key to treating painful sex is a careful history examination, appropriate therapy and counselling," he says.

A painful entrance

The number one reason for painful sex is inadequate lubrication.

To fix this problem, spend more time petting and engaging in foreplay. And if all else fails, use a good water-based lubricant.

When things go 'bump'

During intercourse, if it feels like your partner is hitting something and hurting you, you may have a retroverted uterus. This means that your womb is tipped back towards the tailbone.

Sex is painful when pressure is put on the rectum and ligaments of the tailbone.

These problems and other conditions can rob you of pleasure from sex, but they can be solved.

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