Pain with sex
Men and women can both experience pelvic floor muscle dysfunction that can lead to discomfort with intercourse. Pain during sex (dyspareunia) is very common. For many, the search for help can be a frustrating and unproductive journey of referrals from one doctor to another (gynecologist, urologist, pain specialist, urogynecologist, psychiatrist/phsychologist)- adding to the frustration. Some patients even have surgery for issues related to dyspareunia with unfortunately no change in symptoms. A missing link can be your pelvic floor muscles and also the mind/body connection to these muscles. After being evaluated by a physician to rule out other medical conditions, musculoskeletal causes of painful sex need to be explored.
Some diagnoses include:
Vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibulitis) or vulvodynia
Interstitial cystitis
Painful episiotomy
Sexual trauma or abuse
Scar tissue restriction/ adhesions
Vaginal dryness
Pelvic floor muscle spasm
Endometriosis
slip/fall related trauma to the pelvis
Postpartum
There is always a reason you are having pain. I have found that the most important step is first achieving a mind/body connection within yourself. We will work on safe movement, regulating the nervous system, and pain reprocessing. The body and mind must be treated as a whole. 🧡 This way, you are creating your own healing system.
The initial education and guidance I give all my pelvic floor patients- no matter the diagnosis, Is outlined in the mini-course below. Give it a try and let me know how you feel!
