Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain during or after sexual intercourse. In some cases, the pain begins before penetration. This condition affects up to 20% of women in the US and can occur in women of all ages. Some women who have had comfortable sex in the past can also develop dyspareunia. If you experience frequent episodes of sexual pain, you should get treatment right away.
Here at Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our dyspareunia therapy focuses on treating the underlying cause of the problem. This increases our success rate by reducing the severity of the problem or eliminating it completely.
If you have dyspareunia, you don’t need to be shy about it. Around 75% of women will have painful sex at some point, but it is up to you to seek help and ensure it doesn’t become an on-going concern.
Who is Most at Risk of Dyspareunia?
You are at an increased risk of developing this condition if you are:
- postmenopausal
- have a bacterial or viral infection
- take medications that can cause vaginal dryness
Symptoms of Dyspareunia
Some of the most common symptoms of Dyspareunia include:
- Pain during sexual and non-sexual penetration
- Pain during thrusting
- Throbbing pain that remains hours after intercourse
- Stabbing feeling similar to menstrual cramps
How Physical Therapy Can Treat Dyspareunia
Physical therapy treatment of dyspareunia focuses on the following:
- Teaching affected women how to control the contraction and relaxation of the muscles surrounding the vagina.
- Desensitizing the painful parts to touch using vaginal inserts.
- Providing education on how dietary modifications can help.
- Use of vaginal dilators.
- Using manual techniques to restrict pain.
We are experts in helping women to solve the anxiety that comes with dyspareunia by using a multi-faceted approach to treatment. We work with other medical professionals to create a unique treatment plan that will put you back in control of your body. Would you like to speak to an expert? Get in touch with us now.