what do do about painful intercourse, vaginal dryness?

Painful intercourse can be caused by a range of factors, and vaginal dryness is one of them if you are into your menopause. If not, than it might be the case of a STD or just a simple thrush infection.

Hi,
Well the symptom of vaginal dryness can lead to pain during sexual intercourse. You can get around this issue by using a vaginal lubricant or allowing yourself enough time, during foreplay, to become naturally lubricated before engaging in sexual intercourse.
However, painful intercourse or dyspareunia can be caused by injury, trauma, irritation, infection, reaction to certain birth control products such as an allergic reaction to a foam or an improperly fitted diaphragm. Or you could be experiencing vaginusmus, which is the involuntary spasms of the muscles in the vaginal wall. This makes attempts at penetration very painful. Painful penetration also occurs in a condition called vestibulitis, which is characterized by unexplained stinging or burning around the opening of your vagina.
Hope that this information has been helpful. Begin with the simplest cause, insufficient lubrication. If the problem persists, make an appointment with your gynecologist or female reproductive health care provider for further evaluation and treatment.