Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe painful intercourse in women. However, there are several synonyms for the word, including sexual pain, discomfort during intercourse, and vaginismus. Vaginismus specifically refers to involuntary spasms of the vagina during sex, causing pain. Dyspareunia may also be classified as primary or secondary, depending on whether the pain has always been present or began after a period of normal sexual function. These synonyms are important to know since painful intercourse is a common issue affecting women of all ages. Seeking medical advice is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and find appropriate treatments to alleviate any discomfort or pain experienced during sex.