Painful Intercourse and How Physical Therapists Can Help
Pain during intercourse is a common issue that many women experience at different stages of life. The causes can vary, so it’s important to get an individualized assessment and treatment plan from a pelvic floor physical therapist to address the root cause effectively.
At our clinic, we often see postpartum moms who experience pain after being cleared for intercourse by their OB/GYN. For women who’ve had a C-section, discomfort during deep penetration or thrusting may be due to scar tissue or limited fascial mobility. The fascia is connective tissue that allows smooth movement between muscles and organs, including the abdominal wall and pelvic floor. If the fascia in your abdominal wall isn’t moving well, it can affect the mobility of your pelvic floor, leading to pain during sex. Pelvic floor physical therapists can assess the mobility of your C-section scar and fascia, provide manual therapy, and teach you self-massage techniques to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
Women who have experienced a perineal tear during vaginal birth may also struggle with pain during sex. The perineal body, located between the vagina and anus, needs to move freely for comfortable penetration. If there is limited mobility in this area, it can contribute to painful intercourse. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help improve perineal mobility through manual therapy and personalized stretches designed to increase comfort.
Another factor that can contribute to pain during sex is low estrogen levels, which are common during breastfeeding. Pain during sex is a sign of genitourinary syndrome of lactation. Pelvic floor physical therapists can assess whether hormonal changes, tissue health, or muscle tightness are contributing to the pain and work with your doctor to create a holistic plan, including health coaching and treatment strategies.
Pain during intercourse isn’t limited to postpartum women. Stress and tension can cause pelvic floor muscle tightness in any stage of life, leading to painful penetration. Over time, this muscle tightness can make intercourse uncomfortable. Pelvic floor physical therapists can assess your pelvic floor muscles, provide manual therapy, and offer a dilator training program if needed to help restore mobility and comfort.
Summary: Sex should be pain-free and pleasurable. Pelvic floor physical therapists at Pelvic Path are trained to identify the causes of discomfort and develop personalized care plans to help you regain comfort and confidence in your sexual health.
