Image credits: Freepik / Pexels
Feeling pain or discomfort during sex isn't something anyone needs to suffer through quietly. For many, this condition—medically referred to as dyspareunia—can profoundly affect physical intimacy, emotional health, and even daily functioning. Still, it is an under-talked-about issue. Knowing when to seek help for dyspareunia is crucial to healing and regaining a healthy intimate life.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly effective approach to dyspareunia treatment, especially when the root cause is linked to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Let’s explore the signs that indicate it’s time to consult a pelvic floor expert.
Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurring pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse. The pain may be superficial (at the entrance of the vagina or penile contact) or deep (felt inside during penetration or specific positions). It can range from a burning or stinging sensation to sharp, stabbing pain.
Although more frequently reported by women, men may also suffer from types of dyspareunia, especially associated with tight pelvic floor muscles or nerve sensitivity. Causes are extremely varied, ranging from infections and hormonal shifts to emotional trauma or physical issues such as endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction.
It is not unusual to feel discomfort as a result of transient problems such as infections or hormonal fluctuations. But if the pain does not go away after treatment or lasts longer than 4-6 weeks, it is a warning that you need to be further assessed. Chronic pain can be a sign of underlying pelvic floor tension or dysfunction that can only be treated by specialized dyspareunia treatment.
Some people with dyspareunia report a feeling of their vaginal or pelvic muscles involuntarily tightening during sex. The tightness can make penetration feel impossible or difficult. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can check for muscle tone and add manual skills and exercises to bring back balance and flexibility.
If your general physician or gynaecologist has excluded infections, STIs, or internal pathology, but still, your pain persists, then it's probably due to muscular or nerve dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy presents a body-centered approach to such instances, with non-invasive and personalized treatments.
When your pain persists, it can cause you anxiety when it comes to intimacy. You may begin to avoid sex entirely because you're afraid or scared. This emotional strain can affect your relationship and the quality of your life. Therapy not only provides physical comfort but also minimizes anxiety as your trust in your body is restored.
Individuals who have had childbirth, pelvic surgery, or sexual abuse may develop scar tissue, muscle guarding, or hypersensitivity in the pelvis. This can cause dyspareunia to develop slowly or suddenly in such cases. Physiotherapy can help mobilize the affected tissues gently, promote blood supply, and reduce tension.
Associated conditions such as endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract disorders, or vaginismus frequently accompany dyspareunia. In most of these, pelvic floor dysfunction is involved. A pelvic floor specialist may assist with these conditions within an interdisciplinary plan for dyspareunia treatment.
Some individuals try various lubricants, creams, or even pain relievers in the hope of managing their discomfort. While these may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root, muscular or nerve-related causes. If these methods aren’t working, it’s time for a more structured, professional solution like pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialist type of physiotherapy aimed at the assessment and treatment of pelvic muscle dysfunction. For dyspareunia, treatment can involve:
• Internal and external manual therapy to relax tense muscles and trigger points
• Breathing and relaxation training to decrease muscle guarding
• Biofeedback and mirror therapy to enhance awareness and control
• Postural correction and pelvic mobility exercises
• Anatomy and pain science education to empower the patient
Don't ignore the signs if you or someone you know is experiencing painful intercourse. The sooner you see an expert, the quicker your recovery and return to a pain-free, confident life.
In Mumbai, Dr. Leena Daware, a highly experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist, provides cutting-edge, evidence-based dyspareunia treatment for patients grappling with the condition. With her extensive knowledge of pelvic anatomy and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic disorders, she creates a healing environment that is safe and nurturing.
