Sexual dysfunction is a problem that affects many women. unfortunately, there is no simple answer and there are many myths. Furthermore, these can make it hard to ask for help and receive treatment. Female sexual dysfunction is poorly understood and it continues to be very difficult to find effective treatment.
By clearing up these myths, I want to give you hope for your sex life.
Getting on the Same Page First
The terminology you hear about female sexual dysfunction may not always match your experience. Firstly, this can lead you to feel broken. Secondly, you aren’t broken. Let’s just get on the same page first.
- “Sexual Dysfunction” is used to describe any challenges in the areas of sex and intimacy. Female sexual dysfunction refers to a range of conditions that affect a woman’s sexual desire, arousal, and ability to experience sexual pleasure and/or orgasm.
- The terms “male/female” or “men/women” used here aim to be inclusive of all gender expressions and will refer to one’s assigned sex at birth.
- The meaning of “sex” in this context is not just limited to heterosexual intercourse. It includes all kinds of sexual activities, such as being sexual with yourself or intimate with another person in a variety of ways.
OK, here are the myths and what my experience as a pelvic PT has taught me that I think are important to share.
Myth #1: Most women have NO problems with sex
Truth: Almost HALF of women have problems with sex
Studies show that up to 43% of women experience some type of sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. This is more common than sexual dysfunction in men.
Myth #2: You’re having pain with sex because you’re not relaxed
Truth: Pain with sex is caused by physical issues. It isn’t just “in your head.”
Some of the physical issues that can cause pain with sex include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Medicines
- Medical conditions can affect sexual tolerance and function. There is even a medical word for pain with sex, called dyspareunia.
Additionally, some examples of other conditions contributing to pain with sex commonly seen in pelvic floor physical therapy are chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and vulvodynia.
So you can see that it isn’t just in your head. Physical and medical issues can make sex hard and painful. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps with each of these issues.
Myth #3: Pain during sex is normal
Truth: Pain during sex is not normal and could be a sign of a medical issue
Chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, or endometriosis can all cause pain with sex. In fact, often tight pelvic floor muscles or irritated nerves contribute to pain with sex and can be addressed with pelvic floor physical therapy. Pain with sex is not normal. Don’t grin and bear it. It isn’t necessary.
Myth #3: Only older women have sexual problems
Truth: Sexual problems can happen to women of any age
Young women can start having pain with sex or difficulty with orgasms from their very first sexual experience. Older women can develop pain with sex during menopause. It is never too early or too late to develop pain with sex. The bottom line is that it can happen at any age.
Myth #4: There’s no good way to treat women’s sexual problems
Truth: There are many treatments for female sexual problems, like medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes.
Our clients often say pelvic floor physical therapy is the first place they feel hope for improvement. There are plenty of treatments. Additionally, there is medication. There is counseling. There are lifestyle changes. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treats the physical issues and there are GREAT ways to treat this.
Begin Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Live embodied. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction and Dr. Hope can help you deal with some of your most sensitive issues. Your goals matter. Your comfort matters.
Contact us for a free consultation to start the process. Restore Hope offers free consultations so that we can help you navigate this confusing healthcare process. We also want to build a relationship with you right from the start.
To schedule the consultation, you send an email to DrHope@restorehopept.com.
Other Services at Restore Hope PT
Dr. Hope works on a wide variety of pelvic health-related issues. She works with urinary incontinence, constipation, urinary urgency and frequency, abdominal pain, and chronic low back and pelvic pain.