SEXUAL PAIN

Enhancing Sexual Health: Addressing Pain and Discomfort

Sexual Pleasure and Pain: Sex should be a pleasurable experience. However, if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can provide valuable support and treatment.

Common Causes of Pain During Sex: Pain during sex can stem from various issues, often related to pelvic floor dysfunction. These may include:

• Vaginismus: Involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, making penetration painful or difficult.

• Dyspareunia: Persistent pain during intercourse.

• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Ongoing discomfort in the pelvic region that can affect sexual function.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: An overactive pelvic floor, characterised by tight or shortened pelvic floor muscles, can contribute significantly to sexual pain. Key issues include:

• Tight Muscles: Difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor muscles can lead to pain during stretching or penetration.

• Painful Areas: Trigger points or painful spots within the pelvic floor muscles can exacerbate discomfort.

• Organ Dysfunction: Dysfunctional coordination of pelvic organs may contribute to pain.

Research indicates that up to 57% of women with overactive pelvic floor muscles experience pain during sex (Berghmans, 2018). Additionally, pelvic pain following sexual activity can sometimes last up to 3 days.

How a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Can Help:

• Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your pelvic floor function, including muscle tension and trigger points.

• Treatment: Techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve relaxation, and address painful areas. This may include manual therapy, relaxation exercises, and education on pelvic floor function.

• Support: Guidance on managing pain and improving sexual health, tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Us: If you’re struggling with pain during sex, consider reaching out for a comprehensive assessment with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists. We’re here to help you find relief and enhance your overall sexual health and wellbeing.

VAGINISMUS

Understanding Vaginismus and Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorder

What is Vaginismus? Vaginismus is a condition characterised by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that can interfere with sexual intercourse and other forms of vaginal penetration.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginismus:

• Difficulty with Penetration: Experiencing an inability to insert a tampon or have penetrative sex due to a sensation of blockage or resistance at the vaginal entrance.

• Pain During Attempted Penetration: Feeling pain or discomfort during attempts at sexual intercourse or insertion of tampons.

• Muscle Spasm: Involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, which may cause the vaginal muscles to tighten excessively.

Prevalence: Vaginismus affects approximately 1-6% of females, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as 5-17%.

What is Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorder? Vaginismus falls under the broader category of Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorder, which encompasses various types of pain and discomfort associated with the genital and pelvic regions. This can include:

• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Persistent pain during sexual activity.

• Pain with Vaginal Insertion: Discomfort or pain when inserting tampons or during gynaecological examinations.

How Can a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Help?

• Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your pelvic floor muscles to determine the presence of spasms or tightness.

• Treatment: Techniques to address muscle spasms, improve relaxation, and manage pain. This may involve manual therapy, pelvic floor exercises, and education on muscle relaxation.

• Support and Guidance: Providing strategies and support to help overcome barriers to comfortable sexual activity and improve overall pelvic health.

Contact Us: If you experience symptoms of Vaginismus or Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorder, seeking help from a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can be a crucial step toward relief and improved quality of life. Reach out for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan.

CAUSES OF SEXUAL PAIN

Understanding Causes of Sexual Pain

Sexual pain can arise from various conditions and factors. Here’s a look at some common causes:

1. Dyspareunia:

   • Definition: Pain during or after sexual intercourse.

   • Potential Causes: Can be due to vaginal dryness, infections, pelvic floor dysfunction, or other underlying health issues.

2. Vaginismus:

   • Definition: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that cause pain or prevent penetration.

   • Symptoms: Difficulty with penetration, pain during attempts at sexual activity, and a sensation of tightness or resistance at the vaginal entrance.

3. Vulvodynia:

   • Definition: Pain localised to the vestibule (the area surrounding the vaginal opening) or at the vaginal entry.

   • Symptoms: Burning, stinging, or aching pain in the vulvar region, which can occur spontaneously or in response to touch or pressure.

4. Endometriosis:

   • Definition: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, causing chronic inflammation and pain.

   • Symptoms: Pelvic pain, painful periods, and discomfort during or after sexual activity. For more details, refer to information on Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis.

Addressing Sexual Pain:

If you experience any form of sexual pain, our physiotherapists can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and targeted treatment to address your symptoms. Our goal is to make sex pleasurable and improve your overall sexual health.

Contact Us: Reach out for a thorough evaluation and personalised care plan to help you find relief and enhance your sexual wellbeing.