Pain during intercourse is a common yet often overlooked issue that can significantly impact one’s quality of life and intimate relationships. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding effective relief, and one promising treatment for pain during intercourse is pelvic floor physiotherapy. This specialized therapy targets the muscles and tissues of the pelvic region, offering a non-invasive solution to alleviate pain and restore comfort.
What Causes Pain During Intercourse?
Pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, can be caused by a variety of underlying issues and health concerns. Primary causes include:
- Inflections: Conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and discomfort during intercourse.
- Vaginal Inflammation: This can often be caused by infections or irritants, leading to swelling and tenderness, making intercourse painful.
- Childbirth: Postpartum changes, such as vaginal dryness or scar tissue, can lead to pain during intercourse, which may require pelvic floor exercises for relief.
- Vaginismus: This condition involves involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, often caused by anxiety or past trauma, leading to painful intercourse.
- Involuntary Contraction of the Pelvic Floor Muscles: Stress or pelvic floor dysfunction can cause muscle spasms, contributing to discomfort during sex.
- Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels during menopause can result in vaginal dryness and thinning, making intercourse painful, often treated with lubricants or hormone therapy.
Addressing Pain During Intercourse: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a vital role in supporting pelvic organs, maintaining continence, and contributing to sexual health.
As such, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate pain during intercourse by stimulating blood flow and relaxing any tense pelvic floor muscles, ligaments or other tissues. It can further alleviate pain by strengthening any weak pelvic floor muscles.
Here’s a closer look at the techniques used for pelvic floor physiotherapy:
- Manual Therapy: Involves hands-on techniques to assess and treat muscle tightness, trigger points, and connective tissue restrictions. This can include internal or external techniques to help relax and lengthen tight pelvic floor muscles.
- Relaxation Exercises: These exercises focus on reducing stress and calming the nervous system, which can help in easing muscle tension. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery are often used to help individuals manage anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which is crucial in alleviating pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Stretches: Targeted stretching exercises are designed to improve the flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas, such as the hips and lower back. These stretches help to release tension and prevent muscle stiffness, contributing to overall pelvic health. Gentle, consistent stretching can enhance range of motion and reduce discomfort during movement.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: This involves teaching clients how to properly engage and relax their pelvic floor muscles. Through exercises like Kegels, individuals learn to strengthen weak muscles and gain better control over muscle contractions. This retraining is essential for restoring normal pelvic function and reducing symptoms associated with dyspareunia.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Dyspareunia: Session Expectations
The objective of pelvic floor physiotherapy is typically either to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles or to relieve tight muscles. It consists of both an internal and external treatment of the surrounding muscles and tissues.
For females, the internal portion may involve a vaginal exam, whilst for males, it may involve a rectal exam. The extent of the exam is completely based on the individual’s comfort level. Sessions are conducted in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, where the client’s comfort, dignity, and privacy are prioritized. The physiotherapist will provide clear explanations and answer any questions, ensuring that you feel fully informed and at ease throughout the process.
The timeline required to see improvements with pelvic floor physiotherapy depends on the individual’s condition and the degree of pain. On average, a period of four to six weeks can be expected for noticeable results. This number is not definitive, and the time for rehabilitation may last much longer. Individual treatment sessions generally last 30-45 minutes.
Addressing Pain During Intercourse: Recommended Lifestyle Changes
In addition to professional treatments such as physiotherapy, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to help manage and eliminate pain during intercourse.
- At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercises: Specific exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist can assist in strengthening and relaxing pelvic floor muscles, which in turn reduce pain during intercourse.
- Stress Reduction: Focusing on relaxing before intercourse plays a large role in managing pain. Both stress and anxiety can cause reduced libido or tense pelvic floor muscles, exacerbating discomfort that may be experienced during intercourse. By practicing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga, you can assist your body and mind to relax and help ease the painful symptoms.
- Proper Lubrication: For those experiencing dryness, particularly post-menopause, using a high-quality water-based lubricant during intercourse can significantly reduce friction and discomfort. It’s important to choose a lubricant that is free from irritants and chemicals that could exacerbate symptoms.
- Communication with Partner: Open and honest communication with your partner about your pain and comfort levels is crucial. This can help you both find positions or techniques that are less painful and more enjoyable, fostering a more positive and supportive sexual experience.
How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Treat Dyspareunia in Men
Pain during sex can affect men as well, causing physical and emotional discomfort. Causes of dyspareunia in men can include chronic prostatitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, scar tissue from surgeries, or psychological factors such as anxiety. Unlike women, treatment for male dyspareunia often focuses more on external techniques and managing pain through pelvic floor muscle relaxation and biofeedback.
Pelvic health physiotherapy for men typically involves targeted exercises to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy to address any tightness or trigger points, and education on proper pelvic floor function. Additionally, therapists may use relaxation techniques and guided breathing exercises to help manage and reduce pain during intercourse. Consistent practice of these strategies, along with open communication with a healthcare provider, can significantly improve symptoms and restore comfort and confidence in intimate experiences.
Find Your Relief Today
If you’re struggling with pain during intercourse, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a personalized and effective approach to addressing the root causes of your discomfort, helping you regain control over your intimate health.
At Valeo Physiotherapy in Milton, our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward relief and a more comfortable life—schedule your visit today and discover how our treatments can make a difference.
