One of my biggest goals with social media as a Women’s Health physio is to debunk and un-taboo topics that affect so many women, yet no one talks about them. Dyspareunia is a perfect example of this.
Dyspareunia is the term used to describe pain before, during or after vaginal intercourse. There are many causes of dyspareunia, including physical ones like not enough lubrication, a skin infection, illness or surgery. Psychological causes, like relationship issues, stress and anxiety can also contribute. Painful sex can be highly distressing and not only result in the loss of sexual interest, but cause further relationship problems and affect your general mental health.
There are two main types of dyspareunia, which are classified according to where the pain is: “superficial dyspareunia” is pain on attempted penetration and “deep dyspareunia” is pain inside the vagina impacting the deeper layers of the pelvic floor, often experienced with thrusting. The pain can include burning, tearing or aching sensations.
A contributing factor may be lack of lubrication. When a woman is sufficiently aroused, her vagina and glands around the vaginal entrance secrete fluids that reduce friction and allow penetration without pain. Things like hormonal changes (postpartum, breastfeeding, menopause etc.), a narrowing of the vaginal entrance or thinning of the vaginal and vulva skin after menopause, emotional and psychological factors as well as some medications can disrupt this natural lubrication.
Let’s talk about PAIN-FREE sex baby…
There are lots of ways to treat dyspareunia, but it first requires an accurate diagnosis. As a Pelvic health physio, I often help by using techniques such as desensitisation of the nerves affecting the vulva and pelvic floor, trigger point therapy (identifying pain that is related to a discrete point) and gentle soft-tissue massage in the pelvic area and in the vagina. Physiotherapists can teach specific relaxation techniques and pelvic floor awareness exercises to help reduce over-activity of muscles and therefore decrease pain. There are also products and tools we can recommend to increase comfort with sex such as our favourites – the OHNUT and Pelvic Wand (+/- vibration).
For more information about our women’s health services at Pivotal Physiotherapy, see here.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms please contact me at Pivotal Physiotherapy and Pilates, located in North Adelaide on Archer Street.
~ Kylie Rankin, Principal & Women’s Health Physiotherapist