Painful Intercourse and Pelvic Floor Health:How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a common but often under-discussed issue that can significantly affect your quality of life. Many individuals experience discomfort during sex, yet feel uncertain or embarrassed to seek help. At our clinic, we want to shed light on this condition and how pelvic floor therapy can offer relief.
What Causes Painful Intercourse?
Pain during sex can arise from several factors, often linked to the pelvic floor—a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and other pelvic organs. When these muscles become tight, weak, or imbalanced, intercourse can become painful. Some common causes of painful intercourse include:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension: Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles can cause pain during penetration. Stress, trauma, or even certain postures can contribute to this tension.
Vulvodynia and Vestibulodynia: These conditions involve pain or burning around the vaginal opening, often making penetration difficult or impossible.
Scar Tissue or Adhesions: Scar tissue from childbirth, surgery or injury can restrict movement in the pelvic region, causing discomfort during sex.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This occurs when pelvic organs shift or drop due to weak pelvic floor muscles, leading to a sensation of heaviness and pain during intercourse.
Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as menopause or breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness and thinning, leading to pain during sex due to lack of lubrication.
Psychological Factors: Anxiety, past trauma, or stress can also contribute to pelvic floor tension, amplifying the sensation of pain during intercourse.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a proven treatment that addresses the root causes of painful intercourse by improving muscle function, reducing tension, and restoring balance to the pelvic area.
Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a detailed evaluation to identify the specific causes of your pain. This might involve an internal and external assessment to assess muscle function, strength, and flexibility.
Manual Therapy: Our therapists use hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and break up scar tissue, improving flexibility and muscle function.
Targeted Exercises: Based on your needs, we provide exercises to balance the pelvic floor muscles. This can help release tension and improve overall pelvic health.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications: We offer practical advice on posture, stress management, and pelvic floor health to support long-term healing
A Path to Relief
If you’re struggling with painful intercourse, pelvic floor physical therapy can provide significant relief. By addressing the underlying causes—whether muscle tension, scar tissue, or hormonal changes—PFPT helps restore comfort and confidence in your sexual health.
Don’t suffer in silence. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your body. Reach out to our clinic today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward pain-free intimacy.