Painful sex can affect both Women and Men. Intercourse pain can cause problems in a couple's sexual relationship. In addition to the physically painful sex, there is also the possibility of negative emotional effects. So the problem needs to be addressed as soon as it arises. We can help!
Often called Dyspareunia, the pain can be either on entry or deep penetration or both during sexual intercourse. Specialist physiotherapy treatment can help and cure this problem. We are trained both in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, chronic pelvic pain therapy and women’s/men's health physiotherapy combining a unique skill set to comprehensively assess and diagnose problems affecting the pelvis including painful sex. It is possible to break this cycle of pain.
Below is a list of the most common conditions we see but if you can’t find what you are suffering from here and are in any doubt as to whether we can help, please contact us and we will advise accordingly.
- Vaginismus - an involuntary spasm in the vaginal muscles
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Problems with the cervix (the penis can’t reach the cervix at maximum penetration)
- Problems with the uterus (this may include fibroids, adhesions, and pelvic floor spasms that can cause deep intercourse pain)
- Problems with the ovaries
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
Sexual pleasure and intimacy are very important, regardless of age, gender, culture or disability you should be able to experience pain-free, enjoyable sex and we are here to help.
Sex should never be painful. Research shows that 1 in 10 people experience painful sex, and many do not seek help do not seek due to embarrassment..... act now: book an appointment.
At Tracey Miles Chartered Physiotherapists our pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to assess, treat and cure this problem. Our unique skill set allows us to comprehensively assess and diagnose the problem so that it is possible to break this cycle of pain. The examination will include an external assessment of the lumbar spine, hips and pelvis. And in-depth assessment of the internal pelvic floor muscles. This may involve a rectal or a vaginal internal examination and allows the physiotherapist to determine the presence of trigger points inside the pelvis that may be inhibiting muscle function or causing pain. We will ensure the patient fully understands and consents before any internal examination takes place. Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback may also be used to assess the pelvic floor function.
Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at increasing arousal, blood flow and sexual sensation, boosting your ability to orgasm, promoting the healing of scar tissue, easing vaginal tightness, improving your natural vaginal lubrication and making the vagina feel more pleasurable. We may also discuss the options of different vaginal lubricators and moisturizers to help your vaginal tissues. Just as you moisturize your face and body, moisturizing your vulva and vagina keeps the tissues flexible, hydrated, and free from irritation, all of which help to make any penetrative sex more pleasurable. If appropriate for you, your therapist may discuss with you the use of pelvic wands and vibrators as a self-help tool to help you cure your painful sex.
At Tracey Miles Chartered Physiotherapists, your pelvic health physiotherapist will also have a good knowledge and understanding of how menopause can affect your sex life and can help recommend different tools to ensure that sex is still enjoyable for all age groups.
If you have any questions as to whether we can help you, please get in touch at admin@traceymilesphysio.com
