Can Physical Therapy Help With Painful Intercourse?

Are you experiencing unwanted or unexpected pain during penetrative sex?

If that’s the case, it may even drive you to avoid sex altogether.

There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to have sex.

Sexual libido varies among each individual and there are many reasons why someone might experience low libido.

However, if you find yourself avoiding sex primarily because it’s painful, you might be at risk for further issues down the line.

It’s possible that you may experience issues with your confidence and self esteem because of it.

Many people who experience pain during sex internalize their challenges and blame themselves.

Additionally, sexual challenges can put a strain on romantic relationships.

But the good news is you don’t have to go through these challenges alone.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we offer plenty of helpful services.

If you’ve been experiencing unwanted or unexpected pain during penetrative sex, we can provide pelvic floor physical therapy to help with these issues.

RELATED ARTICLE: Physical Therapy Treatments For Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women

Read on for more information regarding the potential causes of painful intercourse and how physical therapy can help with pain management.

What Is Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)?

Doctors use the term dyspareunia to describe painful intercourse.

People with dyspareunia experience recurring or consistent pain prior to, throughout, or following penetrative sex.

Many people experience this condition throughout the course of their lives.

Dyspareunia occurs in both men and women; however, it appears to affect women more frequently.

RELATED: Physical Therapy For Men’s Health

According to a 2014 article by Seehusen et al., approximately 10% to 20% of American women live with dyspareunia.

Comparatively, a 2008 study by Pitts et al. claim that the same condition affects only 2% to 10% of men.

A variety of factors can contribute to painful sex, including psychological issues and structural problems.

Symptoms Of Painful Intercourse

As we previously mentioned, the most prevalent symptom of dyspareunia is pain prior to, throughout, or following penetrative intercourse.

The severity of this pain can vary from person to person, depending on factors like their individual pain tolerance and other contributing influences.

Other symptoms that you may experience with dyspareunia include:

• Aching or burning during penetration
• Pain while thrusting
• Throbbing which lasts long after the penetration ends
• Pain during other types of penetration, such as tampon use

What Causes Painful Intercourse?

Painful intercourse has a variety of potential causes.

Generally speaking, experts divide these causes into one of three categories: pain during entry, deep pain during penetration, and pain due to emotional factors.

in many of the potential causes.

For instance, emotional issues, such as stress, can often prompt your pelvic floor muscles to tighten, which can lead to pain during penetration.

Pain during entry may be due to an injury, trauma, scarring from pelvic surgery, or an accident.

RELATED ARTICLE: Why Physical Therapy Is Important For Recovering After A Car Crash

Finally, deep pain during intercourse can be due to conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction or scarring from pelvic surgery.

RELATED ARTICLE: Can Physical Therapy Help Reduce Scar Tissue?

Other possible causes of painful intercourse may include:

• Involuntary spasms of the vaginal wall muscles (vaginismus)
• Poor lubrication, which can be due to some medications, or not enough foreplay
• Infection or inflammation of the skin in the genital area or urinary tract
• Anxiety or depression related to any number of factors, including but not limited to intimacy issues, your physical appearance, or relationship problems
• Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or cystitis
• A history of having experienced sexual violence

Some people experience painful intercourse due to a single cause.

For others it may be due to a variety of causes.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we can create an intervention plan that’ll help manage and prevent future pain, regardless of the cause.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction And Painful Intercourse

If you suspect you may have dyspareunia, a physical therapist can help.

We’ll start with an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles.

This will help us get a better understanding of any potential pelvic floor dysfunction present.

In particular, we’ll assess a variety of factors relating to your pelvic floor muscles, including:

• Strength
• Tone
• Mobility
• Flexibility
• Tenderness
• Stability
• And more

Based on what we find, we may discover your discomfort during penetrative sex is related to pelvic floor issues, and from there will suggest treatment methods.

Pelvic floor issues are generally due to a combination of factors, such as those related to your:

• Nerves
• Skin
• Muscles
• Joints
• Tissues

Pelvic floor dysfunction can make it difficult for you to relax and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles.

In addition to painful sex, it can also result in difficulty with urination or trouble controlling bowel movements.

RELATED ARTICLE: How Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Urinary Incontinence

We may also recommend the involvement of other healthcare providers, including your OB-GYN and general practitioner.

How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Painful Intercourse Help?

If you’re experiencing unwanted or unexpected painful penetrative sexual intercourse due to pelvic floor dysfunction, our Washington DC physical therapists can help provide relief.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, our staff have a special interest in pelvic floor physical therapy.

Our team of physical therapists have specific training surrounding pelvic floor dysfunction.

The goal of physical therapy for dyspareunia is to help increase blood flow to the pelvic region, relax the muscles, and help decrease overall levels of pain and sensitivities.

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects everyone differently.

Unique factors, such as your age and other health conditions, can influence the way you experience this condition.

Therefore, physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction will vary from person to person.

However, there are some general treatment techniques.

These include:

• Hands on techniques, such as trigger point release, myofascial release, and massage to help relieve tightness in the pelvis, back, abdomen, thighs, and hips
• Exercises to help open your vagina and relax pelvic muscles, and then exercises to help isolate and tone pelvic floor muscles
• Desensitization to insertion of fingers, tampons, and dilators

Your physical therapist may also give you things to do in between sessions to help speed up your recovery.

Examples include:

• Stretches for your hips, legs, and back
• Massage techniques which you can do on your own or with a partner
• Pelvic drop exercises
• Use of portable biofeedback devices
• Use of dilators between appointments

Book Your Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today

Unexpected or unwanted pain during penetrative sex can be quite distressing.

Sometimes, this type of pain can put significant stress in your relationships.

It may prompt you to avoid or put off intimacy because you know it’ll come with unpleasant and painful side effects.

Or you push through, leading to sex which ultimately isn’t enjoyable.

Thankfully, there is help.

We’re Capitol Physical therapy, serving the Washington DC and Upper Marlboro, Maryland communities.

We also offer telehealth physical therapy for our out of town clients.

We understand that discussing issues related to painful intercourse can be embarrassing for many people.

However, one of our skilled physical therapists will work with you and provide interventions with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today to find out how we can help you reclaim your sex life.