What Is Causing You Pain During Intercourse?

February 13, 2023

Pain during intercourse can be a common and uncomfortable experience. It can be caused by a variety of physical or psychological factors, such as insufficient lubrication, nerve damage, the tension in the pelvic floor muscles, endometriosis, and more.

In some cases, pain during intercourse may also be related to underlying medical conditions like cystitis or fibromyalgia. Painful sex could be due to issues with the pelvic floor and the muscles in that area.

Whatever the cause may be, it is important to seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing persistent pain during sexual activity. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, you can often find relief from your discomfort and resume healthy sexual activities.

We can help you as well. Physical therapy is a great way to come up with a treatment plan and set you down the path that allows you to enjoy life pain-free.

Sexual wellness is important, emotionally and physically, and understanding the roots of the issues that are causing pain in your sex life will help in getting treatment so you can stay happy and healthy. There are some common factors that could be causing you pain and we will discuss these to give you a starting point in identifying the issues you are having.

Common Causes For Pain During Intercourse

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. It often occurs when bacteria spread from the vagina or cervix to other parts of the reproductive system, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

PID can cause infertility if it is not treated properly, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you may have this condition.

The symptoms of PID vary depending on the severity and location of the infection, but common signs include abdominal pain and tenderness, abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, irregular menstrual bleeding, fever, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, there may also be urinary frequency and pain during intercourse.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem for many women. When the pelvic floor muscles don’t work as they should, it can lead to pain during sex, difficulty achieving orgasm, or even urinary incontinence.

There are several treatments available to help manage symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, including physical therapy.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain positions or dietary changes may also be beneficial. It’s important that you speak with your doctor if you experience any of these issues so they can determine the cause and provide an effective treatment plan.

It’s important to remember that pelvic pain during sex isn’t normal, and you don’t have to live with it. By speaking with your doctor and following the treatment plan they suggest, you can find relief from pelvic floor dysfunction and pain during sex. With the right care, you can enjoy intimacy again soon!

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility.

It occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow outside of it, usually in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the reproductive organs. During sex, women with endometriosis often experience increased pain due to inflammation from endometriosis lesions.

Fortunately, there are treatments available for endometriosis-related pain during sex. Physical therapy has been found to be effective for relieving pain in patients with endometriosis. A physical therapist can help develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Vaginal Tearing

Vulvodynia is a chronic condition that causes extreme pain, itching and burning in the vulvar region. It is estimated that 7-15% of women suffer from this debilitating condition. Many women with vulvodynia experience pain during sexual activity, which can lead to avoidance of sex and intimacy problems.

Fortunately, physical therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for vulvodynia.

Physical therapy treatments are designed to help reduce inflammation and nerve sensitivity in the affected area while helping patients develop strategies for managing pain.

Pelvic floor exercises can also help strengthen weakened muscles in the pelvic floor and improve flexibility. With regular physical therapy a patient could see a reduction in the pain felt during intercourse and could be pain free after coming up with a treatment plan for the patient.

How can physical therapy help with the pain you are experiencing during sex?

Physical therapy can be a great option for individuals who experience pain during sex. It’s important to recognize that sex should be pleasurable, not painful. Physical therapists are trained to help assess and treat issues around sexual health and can provide strategies to reduce or eliminate the pain associated with sex.

There are several treatment options available to address pain during sex. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, physical therapists may recommend lifestyle modifications such as changes in positions, relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, stretches or strengthening exercises specifically targeting pelvic floor muscles, or medical interventions such as medications or injections.

In addition to treating muscle tightness and tension in the hips, pelvis and lower back regions that contribute to pain during sex, physical therapists can also address any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to the discomfort.

They are trained to help individuals better understand their own bodies and find ways to overcome anxiety, fear or other emotional blocks that could potentially affect sexual pleasure.

Ultimately, physical therapy can help individuals live more comfortable and enjoyable lives by reducing or eliminating pain during sex. This can lead to improved relationships, self-confidence and overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort during sex, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider such as a physical therapist about your symptoms and treatment options available.

Want To Talk More About Why A Healthy Pelvic Floor Matters to Your Sexual Wellness?

If you are struggling with pain during sex, feel free to schedule a free phone consult, or contact us to arrange a $57 screening. You can also feel free to give us a call at 816.607.3747 (We still like to talk on the phone!)

We are offering a $57 screening which will help us identify the issues you might be having and come up with a treatment plan. Make sure to reach out to us and we can setup an appointment that works for you.

Don’t let pain stop you from enjoying the intimacy you and your partner deserve.

We love to keep people in Lee’s Summit, mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you stay happy and healthy.

Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Lee’s Summit clinic as part of your $57 screening visit. Or just give us a call at 816.607.3747.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Katy Rush, PT