How do I know if painful sex is due to a pelvic floor problem?

Determining whether painful sex is due to a pelvic floor problem often requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, particularly one specializing in sexual health or pelvic floor disorders.

However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a pelvic floor issue as a potential cause of painful sex:

1. Painful Penetration: If you experience pain or discomfort during penetration, especially when it feels like there’s a “barrier” or muscle tightness, it could be related to pelvic floor muscle issues.
2. Muscle Tightness: Feeling tightness, spasms, or muscle contractions in the pelvic area during or after sex may indicate pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
3. Difficulty Relaxing: Inability to relax the pelvic floor muscles voluntarily, even when attempting to do so, can be a sign of pelvic floor problems.
4. Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pelvic pain that extends beyond intercourse and affects your daily life may be related to pelvic floor issues.
5. Frequency and Urgency: Frequent urges to urinate or a sense of urgency, especially during sex, can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
6. Pain During Activities: Pain or discomfort during other activities such as sitting, exercising, or bowel movements may also be indicative of pelvic floor issues.
7. History of Trauma or Surgery: If you’ve had pelvic surgery, childbirth, or a history of trauma in the pelvic region, it can increase the likelihood of pelvic floor problems contributing to painful sex.
8. Postpartum Pain: For some women, painful sex can be a postpartum issue, and pelvic floor problems may be a factor.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your painful sex may be related to a pelvic floor problem, it’s essential to seek evaluation and guidance from a healthcare provider.

They can perform a physical examination, ask about your symptoms, and may refer you to a specialist for further assessment, such as a pelvic floor physical therapist or a gynecologist with expertise in sexual health.

A proper diagnosis can help tailor a treatment plan to address the specific issues causing your discomfort and improve your sexual well-being.

Treatment options for dyspareunia

Pelvic floor physical therapy is valuable for those who experience dyspareunia. It can significantly improve quality of life and help individuals regain control and confidence in their health.

At PhysioFit of NC, we have the expert team in pelvic floor physical therapy to help you to the fullest.

We provide a comprehensive treatment approach through our Women’s Health Program.  This includes manual therapy and exercises to improve conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can help you!