Painful Sex - part one
Okay, let's have a little conversation about sex.
So first thing we have to remember, is that sex is a function of the human body. When and where you choose to have sex, who you choose to have sex with, and how you choose to have sex, is completely your choice.
Sex is very personal and should be treated that way. But when it comes to pelvic health, as your health care professional, we're a little bit nosey. That doesn't mean we want to know your deepest darkest secrets, or what turns you on - what we're interested in, as a pelvic health physiotherapist, is knowing that your sex life is healthy, pain free, and what you want it to be. If that's not the case, we then have to question whether there is a pelvic floor dysfunction at play.
One in five women will experience, painful sex in their lifetime. One in five…that's a lot of women. That's your friends, your neighbor, your sister, your colleague.
Why will less than 10% of women report this to a health professional or seek help? Could it be embarrassment, fear or maybe because as a society women have been told to “relax” that they are “emotional” and more than once I have heard a health professional tell a client to have a glass of wine and relax.
We MUST take painful sex, more seriously.
Why do we live in a society where it has become acceptable to brush things like painful sex under the rug.
I cannot express the anger it builds up inside of me when a woman or man is told this is something they may have to deal with for the rest of their life. This can not only affect your self esteem but your ability to maintain intimate and valuable relationships with those you are in love with.
There are many reasons why pain during or after sex can happen. Infection, illness, physical and psychological issues can all lead to painful sex. It can affect men and women.
Infections such as yeast, and sexually transmitted diseases; just another reason to practice safe sex
Hormonal change secondary to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and menopauses can lead to dryness; try some lubrication. (slippery stuff, yes and good clean loving are my personal and professional favourites)
Lack of sexual arousal can happen – poor foreplay, hormonal changes…the wrong partner, the wrong time, the wrong place; make sure you’re in the mood. (also medications can lead to low libido)
Conditions that can lead to painful sex include endometriosis, IBS, and constipation.
Muscle dysfunction; tension in the pelvic floor can cause extreme pain. The muscles can become tight and weak, and as a result, give you a pain signal every time you try to have sex
Stress and anxiety can also lead to painful sex.
Sex should be fun and enjoyable whether alone, or with other(s)
Nicola Robertson
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist