Does Sex Hurt? 5 Signs It's Time to Tell Your Doctor

If you experience pain during sex and talk to a friend about it, you might brush it off as "normal." After all, she says she's dealt with it, too. Nearly three out of four women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives, reports the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In fact, about 30 percent of women reported pain during their most recent sexual encounter, according to research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

But just because it's fairly common doesn't mean you should grin and bear it, says Linda Bradley, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist and professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. "Sex should be wonderful when you want it," she says. "It should not be painful, which means it's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing any discomfort."

Here are five situations that call for a talk with your physician to find out what's going on, and what actions you can take.

View the full story on OprahMag.com: Does Sex Hurt? 5 Signs It's Time to Tell Your Doctor.