Why Sex Can Be Painful

**Please note, some of the content discussed in this article may be triggering for you. Information provided below is general in nature and we strongly recommend seeking the opinion of a qualified health professional if you have any concerns regarding sexual pain. We feel this information is vital to be shared as many people ask questions related to the topics outlined below.**

Pain before/during/after sex is NOT NORMAL! Sexual pain can be an incredibly distressing and isolating experience for those who experience it. It can affect people of all genders and can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical and psychological factors. Two common conditions that cause sexual pain are vaginismus and dyspareunia.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening involuntarily contract, making penetration painful or impossible. This can be a result of physical trauma, such as sexual assault, or psychological factors such as anxiety and fear. Women who experience vaginismus may find that even the thought of sex or even trying to insert a tampon can trigger the involuntary muscle contraction, making it difficult to have any form of penetration.

What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is another common condition that causes sexual pain, which is characterised by recurrent or persistent pain during sexual intercourse. This can be caused by a range of factors, including infections, vaginal dryness, hormonal imbalances, or trauma to the pelvic region. Dyspareunia can affect both men and women, although it is more commonly reported by women.

As physiotherapists, we understand that sexual pain can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and relationships. We work with individuals to understand the root cause of their sexual pain and develop a personalised treatment plan to address the issue.

How can Physiotherapy help?

For individuals with vaginismus, physiotherapy can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation through techniques such as pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises and breathing techniques. These exercises can help to desensitise the vaginal muscles and reduce the involuntary contraction that causes pain during penetration. In addition to these exercises, it may also be recommended to use dilators, which are graduated cylinders that can be inserted into the vagina to help the individual become more comfortable with penetration.

For those with dyspareunia, treatment may include a combination of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques to address any muscle imbalances or tightness that may be causing pain. We may also recommend the use of lubricants and other supportive measures to help alleviate discomfort during intercourse.

It’s important to note that physiotherapy is just one aspect of treatment for sexual pain, and we often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as gynaecologists, psychologists, and sex therapists to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, we understand that these conditions can be deeply rooted in emotional and psychological trauma, and we approach each individual with compassion and empathy, working to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.