Pain Associated with Intercourse
Dyspareunia, and Post-Coital Pain
Symptoms include:
- Vulvar pain with penetration (at the opening)
- Vaginal pain during deep thrusting
- Pain with or after orgasm
- Pain lasting hours or days after intercourse
Dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse, is a common symptom among postpartum women. Dyspareunia can be a symptom of several pelvic pain syndromes. Most women will have dyspareunia due to pelvic floor muscle hypertonus and/or myofascial trigger points. Some will experience vulvar or vaginal pain that presents as tenderness at the opening of the vagina/vulva that is often described as "raw", "burning" or a "tearing" sensation. At times this can be due to a healing episiotomy scar or perineal tear. In addition, Pudendal Nerve irritation can occur due to stretching of the nerve during labor, contributing to dyspareunia.
Your physical therapist will normalize the tight muscles, tissue, mobility of the Pudendal Nerve and elimination of myofascial trigger points with manual therapy techniques. A home exercise program will be prescribed to you to facilitate recovery and maintain the gains made. Resolution of the musculoskeletal dysfunction will result in the elimination of your symptoms.
Disclaimer: The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center seeks to educate the community on musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain. Specific medical advice and/or answers to your personal health questions will require a full examination by one of our physical therapists. This website is not intended to be a substitute for a medical evaluation, but rather as an educational resource.