As Salt-N-Pepa once said “Let’s talk about sex”. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, approximately 12-20% of women in the general population report experiencing painful sex also known as, dyspareunia. Another study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that up to 22% of women experience dyspareunia during their reproductive years. Many experts believe these numbers may underestimate the true prevalence, as many women may not seek medical help or disclose their symptoms due to embarrassment or discomfort discussing sexual health issues. Here at Anchor Pelvic Therapy more than 40% of our patients attend pelvic therapy due to experiencing dyspareunia.
Intimacy is an essential aspect of human relationships, fostering connection, trust, and emotional well-being. However, for individuals experiencing painful sex, intimacy can become a source of distress and frustration rather than pleasure. Pelvic floor therapy offers hope for those struggling with pelvic pain during sex, providing effective strategies to address underlying issues and restore comfort and enjoyment to these relationships.
Painful sex may be characterized by sharp or burning pain at the vaginal opening, pain during penetration, discomfort with deep thrusting, or lingering pain after sex. While there are various causes, pelvic floor tightness is almost always at the top of the list.
Pelvic floor therapy offers a targeted approach to addressing and alleviating tight pelvic floor muscles and other impairments that may be contributing. Pelvic floor therapists are trained to assess and treat muscular imbalances, trigger points, and scar tissue in the pelvic floor muscles through a combination of manual techniques, biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises. During an initial evaluation at Anchor Pelvic, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify areas of tension, weakness, or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. Based on our findings, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address the specific needs of each individual patient.
Treatment may include:
Manual Therapy: Gentle, hands-on techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and soft tissue mobilization are used to release tension and improve flexibility in the pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback devices are used to provide real-time feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity, helping individuals learn how to relax and coordinate their muscles more effectively.
Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises targeting pelvic floor strength, coordination, and relaxation are prescribed to address muscular imbalances and improve overall pelvic floor function.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications: We provide education on anatomy, posture, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies to optimize treatment outcomes and empower individuals to take an active role in their healing journey.
Pelvic floor therapy offers a ray of hope for individuals struggling with this challenging issue, providing effective strategies to address pelvic floor dysfunction and alleviate pelvic pain during sex. With compassionate care and comprehensive support provided from our therapists here at Anchor Pelvic Therapy, we have treated 100s of women struggling with painful intercourse with amazing outcomes. You can read some of their stories here. Reach out today so we can help you reclaim intimacy, rediscover pleasure, and nurture fulfilling relationships.