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Sexual pain is a topic that often lurks in the shadows, shrouded in misconceptions and discomfort. Yet, shedding light on this issue is crucial for fostering understanding and seeking effective solutions. In this article, we’ll tackle common myths, provide clarity, and explore the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in addressing this issue.

Myth #1: Sexual pain is rare and uncommon.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, sexual pain is more prevalent than many realize.

It can affect people of all genders and sexual orientations. According to research, up to 75% of individuals experience sexual pain at some point in their lives. It’s a widespread issue that deserves attention and support.

Myth #2: Sexual pain is just in your head.

Fact: While psychological factors can contribute to sexual pain, it is often rooted in physical causes.

Factors such as pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginal dryness, infections, surgical scars, or impact from accidents can all lead to discomfort during sexual activity. Ignoring physical symptoms and dismissing them as purely psychological can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

Myth #3: Pain during sex is normal and should be endured.

Fact: Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right.

Enduring pain during sex is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek help if you experience discomfort or pain during sexual activity. Consulting with a healthcare provider like a urologist, gynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist can help identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Myth #4: Only women experience sexual pain.

Fact: While sexual pain is commonly associated with women, it can affect people of all genders.

Men and non-binary individuals may also experience discomfort or pain during sexual activity. Pain with sexual activity can include pain with arousal/erections, orgasm/ejaculation, or penetration. It has been historically limited to pain for females with genital penetration and unfortunately, some doctors still misunderstand this. If this is the case for you, ask for a referral or find another provider who will listen to your story and guide your treatment. There are specialists for pelvic and sexual pain within urology, gynecology, and physical therapy who can help give you a specific diagnosis for your condition.

Myth #5: Pelvic pain is untreatable and lifelong.

Fact: Pelvic pain is a complex issue, but it is not untreatable.

A close up of a post it note with the words pelvic floor therapy. Learn how pelvic floor physical therapy in Washington, DC can offer support by searching for pelvic floor exercises in washington, dc. Search for pelvic pain in washington, dc for more info.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is one effective approach for managing and reducing pelvic pain. Pelvic floor physical therapists are trained to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, which can contribute to sexual pain. Through personalized exercises, education, and manual therapy techniques, pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve pelvic floor muscle function, reduce pain, and enhance sexual well-being.

Sexual Pain Terminology

Now let’s dive a little deeper and talk about some of the terminology you might have heard. If you have seen a urologist or a gynecologist about your pain complaints, you are likely to have received one of the following diagnoses: pelvic floor dysfunction, dyspareunia, chronic prostatitis/male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), pelvic floor muscle spasm, vulvodynia or vaginismus. These diagnoses may sound intimidating, but understanding their meanings can empower you to advocate for your health.

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is defined as recurrent or persistent genital or pelvic pain with sexual activity or sexual dysfunction that is present for three months or longer. It is a general umbrella term that can include other diagnoses such as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and chronic or non-bacterial prostatitis. It typically refers to painful sex for females however it can also occur in males. Research estimates between 1-5% of males experience dyspareunia but it is very likely that numbers are underreported. It is important to tell your urologist if you are having pain with sexual activity and they can refer you to a pain specialist or a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help you.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a variety of conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Chronic prostatitis/male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) involves persistent pelvic pain in men. A pelvic floor muscle spasm occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor contract involuntarily, causing pain and dysfunction. Vulvodynia and vaginismus both involve pain in the genital region, with vulvodynia specifically affecting the vulva and vaginismus causing involuntary muscle spasms in the vaginal wall.

By understanding these terms, you can have more informed discussions with your healthcare providers and explore appropriate treatment options, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, to address your pelvic pain effectively.

How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help Sexual Pain?

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on strengthening and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor, improving blood flow, and addressing any underlying issues contributing to pain. By working with a pelvic floor physical therapist, individuals can gain a better understanding of their pelvic floor health and learn techniques to alleviate discomfort during sexual activity.

In conclusion, sexual pain is a common yet often misunderstood issue that can affect people of all genders. By debunking myths and seeking appropriate support, individuals can take steps toward addressing and managing pelvic pain.

A graphic showing the pelvic floor region. Learn how pelvic floor physical therapy in Washington, DC can offer support by searching for pelvic floor exercises in washington, dc. Search for pelvic pain in washington, dc for more info

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a holistic approach to improving pelvic health and enhancing sexual well-being. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain during sexual activity, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or pelvic floor physical therapist for assistance. You deserve to enjoy a fulfilling and pain-free sex life.

Don’t go it alone. Contact Dr. Hope for a physical therapy assessment to see what kind of pelvic floor treatment is right for you.

Learn more about Dr. Hope’s approach to sexual and pelvic pain for males and females. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

Other Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Services at Restore Hope PT

Dr. Hope works on a wide variety of pelvic health-related issues with all genders. She works with constipation, abdominal pain, pregnancy and post-partum issues, pelvic pain in males and females, and urinary incontinence in males and females.