A medical evaluation for painful intercourse or dyspareunia will generally consist of:

 A thorough medical history:
In this case, your doctor will seek to find out when you began to feel pain, the exact location where it hurts, how it feels, and if it occurs with all your sexual partners, and in all the sexual positions that you have tried. You may also have to provide information about your sexual history, previous childbirth experiences as well as surgical history. It is paramount that you give candid answers, as these questions provide valuable clues as to what could be the cause of your dyspareunia.

A pelvic exam:
Your doctor may require doing a pelvic exam to check for check for signs of infections, skin irritations, and other anatomical problems that you may have. He or she may also apply gentle pressure on your pelvic muscles and genitals, to determine the actual location of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a visual exam of your vagina. This is done using a medical instrument called a speculum that separates the vaginal walls. For some women, pelvic exams may be uncomfortable even if the doctor is gentle. You can always ask the doctor to stop the exam if the pain becomes unbearable.

Other tests:
In some scenarios, your doctor may require a pelvic ultrasound to be performed; if he or she suspects specific underlying causes of painful intercourse, to confirm the diagnosis.