![hands on face - female sexual dysfunction in Washington, DC - physical therapy for female physical dysfuntion - internal pelvic floor manual therapy - 20006 - 20002 - 20001 - 20005 - 20036 Woman with her face in her hands representing someone who is struggling with the effects of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Washington, DC.](https://restorehopept.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bigstock-Beautiful-Teenage-Girl-Sitting-3408134021-1024x683.jpg)
You are not alone if:
- You’ve wondered if sex and intimacy could be less of an ordeal
- Sex feels “too complicated”
- You can’t even enjoy sex and intimacy
Almost half the women WORLDWIDE report issues with sex and intimacy. In the US, up to 20% of women have pain with sex.
One major reason is that female sexual desire is misunderstood. It follows that female sexual dysfunction is also poorly understood. Treatments aren’t readily available.
Pelvic floor physical therapy at Restore Hope PT is the solution for Female Sexual Dysfunction.
What I mean By “Female Sexual Dysfunction” (FSD)
Medical words don’t always match our experience. Medical terms and diagnoses can sometimes lead us to think we are broken. But you aren’t broken.
“Sexual Dysfunction” describes any challenges in the areas of sex and intimacy. “FSD” describes conditions that affect sexual desire, arousal, and sexual pleasure.
When I say sex, I don’t mean heterosexual intercourse. Sex includes all kinds of sexual activities. This can be with yourself, with another, or with others.
Symptoms of Female Sexual Dysfunction
FSD can make these difficult:
Pain during sex –
Discomfort or pain in the genital area during sexual activity. This can be superficial or deep and sometimes both.
Menopause can change your sex life –
Estrogen levels can drop during this phase of life. This can lead to less vaginal lubrication. It can lead to thinning of the vaginal walls. It can lead to vaginal dryness.
Low sexual desire or libido –
A decreased interest in sex or sexual activity.
Less bladder control –
Leakage can happen for many reasons. Sexual activity can be a trigger.
Mental Health –
Female Sexual Dysfunction can lead to or make worse anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship stress.
![woman - physical therapy for female functional dysfunction in Washington, DC - pelvic physical therapy - external pelvic floor manual therapy - 20006 - 20002 - 20001 - 20005 - 20036 Brown haired woman in underwear and a bra with her arms wrapped around her knees sitting in bed representing the trauma that comes with Female Sexual Dysfuntion. Physical Therapy for Female Sexual Dysfuntion in Washington, DC.](https://restorehopept.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bigstock-Lonely-Desperate-Sad-Beautiful-4570087571-1024x683.jpg)
Some Common Forms of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Here are some of the terms you might run into learning about your condition. Maybe you have even been given one of these as a diagnosis by a doctor. I’m listing these out so that you know 1. There is a name for them; 2. That means they have been studied; 3. And that means there are evidenced informed treatments.
Vulvodynia –
This means chronic vulvar pain without a known cause. Research shows that Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is an “effective long-term treatment for primary or secondary [vulvodynia], resulting in pain reduction and improved sexual function.”
Vestibulodynia –
This is a form of vulvodynia where the pain is mainly in the opening of the vagina or the vestibular region.
Dyspareunia –
This refers to the pain with intercourse. Pain with sexual activity is also often associated with other conditions such as urinary urgency and/or frequency, chronic low back pain, or constipation.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) –
This is when one experiences uncontrollable genital arousal without sexual stimulation or desire.
General Pain with sex-
Related to other medical conditions – this can be common for women who have endometriosis or pelvic congestion syndrome.
Pudendal Neuralgia –
This is chronic pelvic pain due to irritation of a nerve
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome –
This is caused by frequent pain in the pelvic region.
Sexual arousal disorder (SAD) –
Is characterized by difficulty becoming physically aroused or experiencing sexual pleasure. Symptoms may include difficulty becoming lubricated (affects 21% of women globally), difficulty achieving orgasm, and pain during intercourse. Research shows that this affects 41% of premenopausal women around the globe.
Orgasmic disorder (OD) –
Characterized by difficulty achieving orgasm. Symptoms may include taking a long time to reach orgasm or never reaching orgasm. According to MedlinePlus about 10-15% of women NEVER have orgasms and 50% say they are not satisfied with HOW OFTEN they reach orgasm.
Sexual dysfunctions related to a medical condition –
Are characterized by sexual problems caused by a medical condition or treatment. Symptoms may include changes in sexual desire, changes in physical sexual response, and changes in sexual functioning as a result of a medical condition or treatment. This can happen after menopause, chemotherapy, delivering a baby, sexual abuse and sexual violence, endometriosis, and many more conditions.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help with Female Sexual Dysfunction
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps with FSD by treating the pelvic floor. This includes muscles, facia, nerves, movement patterns, and posture.
By working on this, many women enjoy sex and intimacy again. Many women tell us that their pain goes away. Some women have more desire. In addition, some women find their desire for the first time. Some women have more pleasure.
All and all, what means the most is when women tell us they finally feel more comfortable in their own skin.
![green eyes - physical therapy for female sexual dysfunction in Washington, DC - pelvic pain therapy -internal pelvic floor manual therapy - 20006 - 20002 - 20001 - 20005 - 20036 Woman with piercing green eyes looking directly at the camera representing a woman who has found relief with Physical Therapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction in Washington, DC.](https://restorehopept.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bigstock-1557713451-1024x683.jpg)
Restore Hope PT’s Approach to Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction
Dr. Hope has extensive training and experience helping people with these sensitive and important issues. She also takes a trauma-informed approach. This means that she will work with you for safety and comfort every step of the way.
These issues can often cause a combination of factors. Oftentimes sexual dysfunction happens because of something else. For example, endometriosis, menopause, or chronic low back and pelvic pain.
The Relationship Between Medical Conditions and Female Sexual Dysfunction
As you can see, there is often a relationship between medical conditions and FSD. Dr. Hope takes whole systems approach to understand your unique situation.
She will look at your posture and movement patterns. She may ask about diet and exercise. Your bladder and bowel habits play a role too. She may also use a gentle hands-on approach to understand how your body works together as a whole.
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 can call or text me at 202-990-7177 or 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.