Dyspareunia Pelvic physiotherapy Treatment

Dyspareunia – Pain During Sex? Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help

Are you experiencing pain during sexual intercourse?

Dyspareunia is a medical condition that affects many women and can cause physical and emotional distress. Experiencing pain during intercourse can be deeply distressing and sensitive, impacting your physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships.

We recognize that the causes of dyspareunia can be varied and complex, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to psychological factors. Our comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment incorporates the latest research and techniques to address the root cause of your pain.

With personalized care and a supportive environment, we strive to empower you on your journey toward pain-free intimacy and improved quality of life.

Our compassionate and skilled physiotherapists at Opal Physio are committed to helping you overcome dyspareunia and restore your sexual health.

Understanding Dyspareunia

It can also be called painful sex, which is the pain you feel in the genital area before, during, or after sex.

Types Of Dyspareunia:

The different types of dyspareunia include

• Superficial dyspareunia: The pain you feel only in the vulva or vaginal opening.
• Deep dyspareunia: The extended pain you feel in the inner parts of your vagina. It is often related to deep penetration.
• Primary dyspareunia is pain during intercourse since the beginning of the sexual activity.
• Secondary dyspareunia: Pain occurring over time after having had no pain during sexual activity.

Regardless of the type of dyspareunia, it is essential to identify dyspareunia symptoms on time and get treated.

Symptoms Of Dyspareunia:

Symptoms can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration. They may be constant or intermittent and can change over time. The symptoms can vary among individuals, with some common symptoms include

• Pain during sexual penetration
• Deep pain during thrusting
• Pain during or after orgasm
• Pain when you try inserting a finger or tampon
• Pain after sex
• Burning or throbbing pain sensation that can occur during or after sexual intercourse and may persist for hours afterward.
• Pain with specific sexual positions, suggesting that the pain may be related to the angle or depth of penetration.

Causes of Dyspareunia

There are so many reasons you may develop sexual pain, and it has various causative factors, such as:

Physical Factors:

• Acute genital infections ( herpes, bacterial )
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
• Endometriosis
• Hymenal remnants
• Prolapse of pelvic organ
• Retroverted uterus
• Reduced lubrication and vaginal dryness
• Hormonal factors
• Injury to the pelvic area
• Surgery to the pelvic area, such as a hysterectomy

Psychological factors:

• Sexual abuse
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Fear or embarrassment associated with sexual activity

Relationship factors

• Abusive partner
• Insecure emotional attachments
• Lack of sexual communication

Other risks associated include pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

How Can You Treat Your Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia treatment requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach that is beneficial in addressing pain.

It involves a team of gynecologists (surgeons), physiotherapists, pharmacists, and psychotherapists. The treatment approach to dyspareunia depends on the cause of your complaint.

How can physiotherapy bring a long-term solution to dyspareunia?

At Opal physiotherapy, we provide patient-centred care. Our assessment is detailed to help determine your treatment plan. The clinical examination gives the physiotherapist an idea of the likely cause of the sexual pain.

Your assessment information affects the treatment approach that the physio takes, so no two people have the same treatment plans or exercise concerning frequency, time, intensity, or even type. Therefore, physiotherapy evaluation involves detailed subjective evaluation and objective assessment.

The gold standard for pelvic floor muscles examination is through an internal assessment performed by our trained physiotherapist with your consent. The physiotherapist assesses your pelvic floor muscle tonicity, contractile and relaxation ability and aims for pain reduction, Improve pelvic floor function, augmenting relaxation through awareness and voluntary control of these muscles and teaching techniques to reduce pain during intercourse.

Pelvic physiotherapy treatment for Dyspareunia

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals experiencing pain during intercourse. The focus is addressing the underlying physical and functional issues contributing to your pain. Our Opal physiotherapists specializing in pelvic health can develop a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate pain and improve sexual function.

Some common physiotherapy interventions for Dyspareunia include:

Pelvic floor exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles can help improve muscle control, reduce pain, and increase flexibility. Your physiotherapist will teach you the proper techniques for performing these exercises.

Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like soft tissue mobilization, trigger point release, or myofascial release are used to address muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and reduce pain in the pelvic region.

Biofeedback: Using electronic devices to help you become more aware of your pelvic floor muscle activity. By monitoring muscle contractions and relaxation, you can learn to control these muscles more effectively and reduce pain during intercourse.

Vaginal dilators: Vaginal dilators can help gently stretch and relax the vaginal muscles, making penetration less painful. Our physio can guide dilators’ appropriate size, usage, and progression.

Education and lifestyle modifications: Physio can advise on appropriate lubricants, sexual positions, and relaxation techniques to help reduce pain and improve sexual function. Additionally, you may be recommended on changes in daily activities or habits to promote better pelvic health.

Pain management: Techniques such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound therapy may be used to help manage pain and inflammation in the pelvic region.

Remember that treatment plans for dyspareunia are highly individualized, and the specific interventions used will depend on the underlying cause of the pain and each patient’s unique needs and goals. Working closely with physiotherapists ensures the most effective treatment approach.

Our Physiotherapist at Opal physiotherapy and health Clinic in Langley can provide a non-invasive and safe option for relieving pain associated with sexual intercourse. Our Physio will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan to decrease your pain and better manage this condition.

Should you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us to consult our pelvic floor physiotherapist about your symptoms today. We’re here to help you reclaim your sexual health and well-being.