Painful intercourse or dyspareunia is common in women with 1 in 2 women experiencing some pain during their lifetime. Pain with sex is common after having a baby and at the time of menopause. In 20% of women the pain is persistent, and or severe, and can affect sexual relationships, desire and libido.
There are many causes of dyspareunia and increased stiffness or tension in the pelvic floor muscles is commonly associated with pain with intercourse.
One of the causes is involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during vaginal penetration which is known as vaginismus.
Another is pain and increased sensitivity in the vulval /vaginal area, known as vulvodynia which is a condition where the region just outside the vagina is painful with light touch or without any provocation at all.
Our physiotherapists are able to help you understand the factors that may be important for you and design a management program coaching you in pelvic floor muscle relaxation, general body relaxation, breathing techniques, and a graded return to pleasurable sexual activity.
Painful intercourse or dyspareunia is common in women with 1 in 2 women experiencing some pain during their lifetime. Pain with sex is common after having a baby and at the time of menopause. In 20% of women the pain is persistent, and or severe, and can affect sexual relationships, desire and libido.
There are many causes of dyspareunia and increased stiffness or tension in the pelvic floor muscles is commonly associated with pain with intercourse.
One of the causes is involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during vaginal penetration which is known as vaginismus.
Another is pain and increased sensitivity in the vulval /vaginal area, known as vulvodynia which is a condition where the region just outside the vagina is painful with light touch or without any provocation at all.
Our physiotherapists are able to help you understand the factors that may be important for you and design a management program coaching you in pelvic floor muscle relaxation, general body relaxation, breathing techniques, and a graded return to pleasurable sexual activity.
