Hitting The Cervix & Cervix Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia)

Last Updated on July 10, 2025

The act of thrusting, which is the back-and-forth movement of the penis inside the vagina during intercourse, will typically tap on the cervix (the opening to the uterus).  This is a normal part of the act, and most women do not even feel it.

Cervix Pain During Sex

Cervix pain during sex can be a distressing experience. This type of pain, known as dyspareunia, can occur during penetration or throughout sexual intercourse. Understanding the underlying causes of pain during sex is crucial for addressing this issue effectively. Read on for more explanation.

Where Is The Cervix?

Imagine the vagina as a soft, flexible tunnel, and at the very end of that tunnel sits a doorway—that’s the cervix.  

Or, imagine a balloon whereby the part that you blow into is like the cervix: a short ‘neck’ with an opening.  Just like the balloon’s neck, the cervix:

1. Connects the inside (uterus) to the outside (vaginal canal)
2. Can stretch and open dramatically during childbirth
3. Usually stays firm and closed at other times
4. Feels a bit like the tip of your nose when touched

Think of the cervix like a small, firm donut with a tiny hole in the center—it connects the uterus to the vaginal canal. It plays an important role in menstruation, childbirth, and sexual health.

How Do I Hit The Cervix During Sex?

During vaginal intercourse, the penis typically bumps against the cervix, especially during deep thrusting or in certain positions that ‘allow’ for a deeper penetration. This ‘hitting the cervix’ might feel pleasurable to some women, but for others it can be uncomfortable, painful, or even cause spotting or bleeding, depending on individual anatomy.

Why Do I Have Pain During Sex When The Penis Taps My Cervix?

Some women are more sensitive to cervical tapping and may experience ‘deep pain,’ especially in the missionary position.  Common reasons for such sensitivity include being new to the act of intercourse, recently having given birth, or a uterus that sits lower in the vaginal canal.

A helpful tip: place a pillow under her buttocks so that her pelvis is higher than her waist, which will make the uterus slide back and give more ‘room’ for the thrusting.

If you are experiencing pain during sex, then see our vaginismus treatment page.

Is Bleeding Normal During Intercourse?

Bleeding during intercourse would not be considered ‘normal’ despite being quite common.  Bleeding during or after vaginal intercourse can feel surprising or even scary, but it’s actually not uncommon, and it can happen for several reasons — some simple and harmless, others worth checking with a healthcare provider.

Common causes include:

1. Not Enough Lubrication (Dryness): When the vagina isn’t naturally wet enough — whether due to stress, lack of arousal, menopause, or certain medications — the delicate skin inside can get irritated or even tear slightly during sex..
2. Friction or Rough Activity: Even when fully aroused, vigorous or deep thrusting (especially if the penis or toy hits the cervix) can cause irritation or bruising.
3. Cervical Sensitivity: The cervix (the “neck” of the uterus) can be extra sensitive during certain times of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when there’s a condition like cervical inflammation or polyps.  Actually, quite a few women will also experience this during a Pap smear when a sample of the tissue is collected…
4. Infections: Some vaginal infections (like bacterial vaginosis, yeast, or sexually transmitted infections) can make the vaginal tissues more fragile and prone to bleeding with pain, odor, or discharge.
5. Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones — from birth control, perimenopause, or just before or after your period — can make the vaginal lining or cervix more sensitive.
6. Post Menstruation: Cervical tapping by the penis during sexual intercourse at the very end or in the day or two following the period may ‘shake out’ some leftover blood.
7. Other Conditions (less common, but important): Sometimes bleeding is linked to things like fibroids, endometriosis, or even cervical cancer. These are less common, but if bleeding keeps happening, it’s always best to get checked out.

This pain can happen:

• At the opening of the vagina (when penetration starts)
• Deeper inside during thrusting
• Or after sex is over

The pain might feel sharp, burning, stinging, cramping, or like hitting something that doesn’t want to be touched.

The emotional toll of dyspareunia is noteworthy as it can lead to anxiety, depression, sexual shutdown, and relationship breakdowns.  Treatment is available and encouraged!

There are many possible reasons for dyspareunia, some shared by the above-mentioned, including:

• Vaginismus – the inability or great difficulties with vaginal penetrations
• Vaginal dryness, menopause
• Insufficient arousal
• Infections, skin irritation, allergies
• Emotional or psychological factors
• Treatment for female cancer
• Hormonal changes
• Vaginal injuries, surgical scarring
• Medical conditions or past trauma