Pain Associated with Intercourse
Dyspareunia, and Post-Coital Pain
Symptoms include:
- Vulvar pain with penetration
- 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 women that suffer from pelvic pain. Dyspareunia can be a symptom of several pelvic pain syndromes. Most women with Vulvar Vestibulitis and Vulvodynia will have dyspareunia due to pelvic floor muscle hypertonus and/or myofascial trigger points and tissue hypersensitivity. In addition, Pudendal Nerve irritation can contribute to dyspareunia. Some women will experience dyspareunia after child birth or gynecological surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or laparoscopy.
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.