Sexual Pain
“Every touch feels like fire, when it’s meant to feel like love.”
Sexual pain, medically known as dyspareunia, refers to painful sexual intercourse. The discomfort can occur at the vaginal opening (superficial) or deeper within the pelvis (deep dyspareunia), and may arise before, during, or after penetration. It can be caused by physical, hormonal, or muscular factors—often a combination of these.
Unlike vaginismus, which involves involuntary muscle spasms that prevent penetration, dyspareunia allows for penetration but often with burning, pulling, or aching sensations. This can make intimacy physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing.
Unlike vaginismus, which involves involuntary muscle spasms that prevent penetration, dyspareunia allows for penetration but often with burning, pulling, or aching sensations. This can make intimacy physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing.
What Does Sexual Pain Feel Like?
Sexual Pain can show up in different ways:
- Burning or stinging at the vaginal entrance
- Deep aching or cramping with penetration
- Sharp pain with specific positions
- Lingering soreness after intimacy
- A sensation of tightness or 'something blocking'
Painful sex can affect more than just your body—it can impact confidence, emotional closeness, and overall wellbeing.
Why Does This Happen?
Sexual pain can be complex and multifactorial. Some common causes include:- Hormonal changes and vaginal dryness from breastfeeding, menopause, or shifts.
- Pelvic floor tension or muscle dysfunction causing discomfort or pain.
- Medical conditions or infections like endometriosis, fibroids, or UTIs.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction related to breathing, posture, or core imbalance.
- Emotional factors like anxiety, past trauma, or relationship stress affecting intimacy.
The Good News: It’s Treatable!
Our Treatment Include
Many cases of dyspareunia respond very well to pelvic floor physical therapy and multidisciplinary care.The first step is understanding the underlying cause, which is why we start with a thorough, respectful, and trauma-informed evaluation.
Pelvic floor manual therapy
Education on anatomy, lubrication, and healthy sexual function
Relaxation techniques and breathing retraining
Desensitization and gentle reintroduction to comfortable touch or intimacy
Postural and movement training
With the right care, you can reconnect with your body, rebuild comfort and intimacy, and rediscover pleasure again.
Let’s Talk About It — Because You Deserve Pleasure, Not Pain
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