Painful sex is common, with 20.3% of women indicating they have experienced pain during sexual intercourse according to The Australian Study of Health and Relationships (2003). Unfortunately, for many people this can be a difficult topic to discuss and can lead to a delay in seeking assistance.
What is Dsypareunia?
Dyspareunia is the term used for pain experienced with/during sexual intercourse. This pain can occur before or during penetrative intercourse or be an ongoing pain experienced after intercourse has finished. Dyspareunia can be classified as either a superficial pain at the entrance to the vagina, or a deep pain felt within the pelvis, which is usually associated with thrusting.
What causes Dyspareunia?
The cause can often be multi-factorial, a few of the most common causes can include:
- Vaginismus – involuntary spasm or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles
- Vulvodynia – a chronic pain or irritation of the vulva
- Decreased lubrication
- Decreased arousal or arousal disorders
- History of infection such as UTI’s or thrush
- History of trauma
- Psychological components such as depression or anxiety
Management of Dyspareunia – How Can Physiotherapy Help?
A multidisciplinary and holistic approach including your GP, a gynaecologist, a psychologist and even a sex therapist may be involved to address the factors contributing to Dyspareunia. Physiotherapy also plays an important role in the management of sexual pain and may involve the following:
- Management of tight/painful muscles – normalising pelvic floor muscle tone and function
- Education on pelvic floor muscles, pelvic anatomy and function
- Advice regarding positioning, arousal and lubrication
- Assistance with addressing contributing lifestyle factors.
It begins with a 60 minute consultation with an experienced women’s health physiotherapist. This time includes a detailed assessment to help facilitate your ongoing management.
We understand clients may be hesitant in seeking help for this condition, many aren’t even aware they have a problem or that it can be improved. Many also feel a sense or nervousness, or embarrassment when approaching the subject.
If you do experience pain with sexual intercourse and are unsettled by the thought of seeking help, please remember these points:
- There is help available
- Dyspareunia is common – you are not alone
- There is nothing to be embarrassed about
- We see women of all ages for this condition.
If any of the above rings true for you, please reach out to our friendly team – 9822 4999 (Armadale) 9486 0512 (East Melbourne). Alternatively, you can also book online here or email us on [email protected]
If you would like to hear a bit more about Dyspareunia, the following podcast is a fantastic listen and speaks with women who have experienced pain with sex: ‘Ladies We Need to Talk’ Podcast
Lauren Cairns
Senior Physiotherapist
Consulting at our East Melbourne practice
Reference: Australian Study of Health and Relationships, The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 27, Number 2, April 2003.
