Men and Women can suffer with Pain with Intercourse. Physical Therapy can help
If you are a woman suffering from occasional or chronic pelvic pain, especially pelvic pain with intercourse, physical therapy and Softwave therapy can help.
At New You Health and Wellness, we believe that this topic should not be one that women should be embarrassed talking about – in fact, many women experience pain during intercourse but don’t seek help because they don’t know what will help or are embarrassed to talk to someone about it. Many have also been told there was nothing they could do about it. However, our Wauwatosa, WI physical therapists and functional medicine practitioners are here to start the conversation of how to relieve your pain with intercourse so you can enjoy being intimate with your partner.
Pain with intercourse is commonly referred to as “dyspareunia.” According to Healthline, dyspareunia can be defined as:
“the term for recurring pain in the genital area or within the pelvis during sexual intercourse. The pain can be sharp or intense. It can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.”
Pelvic pain can occur for a vast number of reasons, and a certain pelvic therapy known as “pelvic floor rehabilitation” and Softwave therapy can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Contact us today for more information.
How can physical therapy help relieve pain with intercourse?
A common treatment for pelvic pain is known as pelvic floor rehabilitation.
This specific form of physical therapy works on strengthening or relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor and making biomechanical changes to support the ligaments of the pelvis as well. When muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, your daily life can be greatly affected, as this region helps in supporting the core of your body and is an integral part of everyday movement. Therefore, tight or weak pelvic floor muscles could lead to pain with intercourse.
It is important to note that there are also a wide variety of conditions that could lead to pain with intercourse, and our Wauwatosa, WI physical therapists can help diagnose the root of the problem before providing treatment.
One of our dedicated physical therapists or functional medicine practitioners will evaluate your medical history and provide an examination to determine what specific type of treatment you’ll need. Some common techniques used during pelvic floor rehabilitation include:
Exercises. And we aren’t just talking about kegels!
These exercises are aimed at improving posture and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles as well as core muscle strength. Sometimes the pelvic floor doesn’t need to be strengthened at all, but instead releasing muscles in the pelvice floor just might be the answer.
Myofascial techniques
These techniques will target the pelvic floor muscles and connecting fascia. This treatment may include light exercise, in addition to stretches and massage, in order to target painful trigger points and provide relief.
Softwave Therapy
This treatment significant relaxes the pelvic floor musculature and has allow previously treated patients with chronic pain during intercourse long lasting relieve in just 2-3 treatments.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation is a large part of physical therapy. It allows your muscles to ease tension, making it easier for them to be stretched and massaged. Your physical therapist may suggest some certain techniques, such as guided imagery or biofeedback, in order to help you relax.
Assessment of eating plan, hormone levels, pelvic floor and bowel, bladder function to locate the underlying cause of the issue.
Causes of painful intercourse for women:
• Tight pelvic floor musculature
• Chronic constipation
• PGAD
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Endometriosis
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Genito-pelvic dysestheia (GPD), also known as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), is associated with unrelenting, unwanted, persistent, intrusive, and spontaneous sensations such as pressure/discomfort, engorgement, pulsating, pounding and/or throbbing, in the genitalia and/or in the perineum and/or anus in the absence of conscious thoughts of sexual desire or sexual interest.
Men’s Pain with Intercourse
Painful Intercourse can be caused by any of the following issues:
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Genito-pelvic dysestheia (GPD), also known as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), is associated with unrelenting, unwanted, persistent, intrusive, and spontaneous sensations such as pressure/discomfort, engorgement, pulsating, pounding and/or throbbing, in the genitalia and/or in the perineum and/or anus in the absence of conscious thoughts of sexual desire or sexual interest.
Testicular or Scrotal Pain
Some causes of testicular pain can be identified with a physical examination of the area by a physician. A urine test may be called for to determine whether or not the pain is a result of an infection. A scrotal ultrasound can show whether or not blood flow to the area is restricted, as in testicular torsion. In some cases, doctors recommend surgery to make an accurate diagnosis. Pain following prostatectomy or other surgeries may result from the procedure.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease, previous trauma to the testicle or scrotal area, inguinal hernias, an infection, inflammation of the prostate or even low back problems can contribute to pain with intercourse.
A full examination by a physician is recommended to rule out any medical issues that would require immediate attention. Once an acute issue is ruled out, our pelvic health specialists can address other less obvious underlying issues that may be contributing to painful intercourse that is chronic in nature.
A treatment plan would then be designed for your specific situation which may include pelvic floor therapy, SoftWave treatments, lifestyle interventions, and other interventions that can contribute to decreased inflammation and improved function and reduced pain with sexual activities.
How can I get started?
If you are experiencing pain with intercourse, you are not alone. At New You Health and Wellness, we are here to help make your daily life as comfortable as possible.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!