Overview
Painful intercourse is a common but often misunderstood difficulty among married couples, particularly newlyweds. Join James Boyd Walther, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern and Certified Sexologist, for an informative webinar exploring the physical and psychological causes of painful sex, including dyspareunia, vaginismus, and related sexual difficulties. We'll discuss common contributing factors, the impact of sexual shame and trauma, and practical treatment options that help couples overcome these challenges while remaining faithful to Catholic teaching. The webinar will conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers.
Date & Time: Nov 9, 2026 09:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
Sexual intimacy is meant to be a source of pleasure, connection, and unity within marriage. Yet for many Catholic couples, particularly newlyweds, intercourse can be painful, uncomfortable, or even impossible. Unfortunately, many couples struggle silently, unsure whether their experiences are normal or whether anything can be done to help.
The good news is that painful intercourse is treatable, and understanding its causes is an important first step toward healing.
Why Does Sex Hurt?
Painful intercourse, clinically known as dyspareunia, can have several contributing factors. Sometimes the explanation is relatively straightforward. Insufficient lubrication, inadequate sexual arousal, or uncomfortable positioning can make intercourse painful. Many newlyweds enter marriage with limited knowledge of sexual physiology and may not realize how important sufficient arousal is for comfortable penetration.
Other cases involve more complex physical or psychological difficulties. Vaginismus, for example, involves involuntary tightening or guarding of the pelvic floor muscles in anticipation of or during penetration. This protective response may develop alongside previous painful experiences, anxiety, sexual trauma, or deeply ingrained negative associations with sexuality.
For some Catholic couples, particularly those raised in environments where sexuality was consistently associated with shame, guilt, or danger, transitioning into a healthy marital sexual relationship can be unexpectedly difficult. Even when spouses intellectually recognize the goodness of marital intimacy, their emotional and physiological responses may not immediately reflect that understanding.
Finding a Path Toward Healing
Because painful intercourse can have multiple contributing factors, effective treatment begins with understanding the particular difficulties a couple is experiencing.
Medical evaluation can help identify physical conditions that contribute to pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy may address muscular tension and coordination difficulties, while sex therapy can help couples address anxiety, painful associations, sexual shame, and relational challenges.
For couples whose difficulties involve psychological or trauma-related responses, treatment may incorporate gradual exposure-based interventions, psychoeducation, and trauma processing. These approaches can help individuals develop greater comfort with intimacy while strengthening communication, trust, and connection between spouses.
Importantly, painful intercourse affects both partners. Approaching treatment as a couple can help spouses work together toward healing rather than allowing pain, frustration, or avoidance to create distance in their marriage.
Join Us for a Free Webinar
On Monday, November 9, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. Central, James Boyd Walther, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern and Certified Sexologist, will present When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Overcoming Painful Intimacy in Catholic Marriage.
This webinar will explore common causes of painful intercourse, including dyspareunia and vaginismus, and discuss practical treatment options from a clinical perspective grounded in Catholic teaching. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions.
Painful sex does not have to define your marriage. With appropriate support, couples can pursue healing and develop a healthier, more pleasurable sexual relationship.
Register for the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3717930487515/WN_bxnyETvkRu2hefh4N8D8lg#/registration