Let’s Talk About Sex!
Photo Credit: Becca Tapert @beccatapert
Sex should not hurt, but sadly this is not the case for many people. Although it is common, it is not normal. The good news is that there are ways to treat it!
What Causes Painful Intercourse?
Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, can be due to different causes including:
Vaginal dryness: this is a common reason for painful sex, especially for those in peri-menopause or menopause. Changes in hormones, especially estrogen, can lead to vaginal dryness. In conjunction with this, the pH level of the vagina can be affected and this can lead to infections which, further increases pelvic pain.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: when having sex, our pelvic floor muscles should relax. In some people, their pelvic floor muscles tighten, and this can cause sex to be very painful. This condition is known as vaginismus.
Interstitial cystitis: this is a condition where the bladder is overly sensitive. With penetration, sometimes the bladder is being hit and this can irritate it more, leading to more pelvic pain.
Vulvodynia: is a condition in which there is pain around the outer part of the genitals for no apparent physical reason. People will report a burning, stinging, swelling or itching sensation during and/or after sex.
Infections: yeast, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract or sexually transmitted infections can all lead to pain with sex due to inflammation of the genital region.
Psychological: trauma, stress, depression and anxiety can all affect how we experience sex and can show up as sexual pain during intercourse.
How Do We Treat It?
There are many ways to treat painful sex. Pelvic Physiotherapy focuses on education, pelvic floor relaxation exercises, desensitization exercises and connecting people to health care providers and resources that can assist them in their recovery.
At Corona Station Physical Therapy we are inclusive of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, respected and supported for who they are. Anyone who is experiencing painful sex can be seen for pelvic physio.
Written by: Chantal Pinsent, MScPT, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist