Pelvic Pain and Sexual Difficulty: You Are Not Alone

As a pelvic health physical therapist, I want you to know this:  your pelvic pain is real . It’s not “all in your head,” and you deserve to be heard. You also deserve access to effective treatment options that empower you to feel like yourself again.

Unfortunately, many women suffer in silence, either feeling too embarrassed to speak up or unsure of where to turn for help. When they do seek answers, it’s common for women to see multiple providers, some of whom may not be familiar with their condition. You might have undergone a series of tests and procedures that come back negative, leaving you with more questions than answers. Or, you may have received a diagnosis and medical treatment, but despite following through, the pain persists.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The Importance of Comprehensive Care

It is recommended to start by seeking the care of a physician to ensure a thorough workup for your pelvic symptoms. However, medical treatment alone is often not enough to resolve your symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapy, with a holistic approach that considers your daily habits, diet, emotional well-being, and overall body function, is often the missing key to long-term relief from pelvic pain.

Common Diagnoses and Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

-  Vulvar, vaginal, clitoral, or anal pain: Discomfort or sensitivity in these areas.

-  Pudendal neuralgia: Nerve pain that affects the pelvic area, often leading to burning or sharp pain.

-  Vulvodynia: Chronic pain in the vulva that can make daily activities and intercourse uncomfortable.

-  Pain with penetration or intercourse: Discomfort during, after, or in anticipation of sexual activity.

-  Abdominal or groin pain: Ongoing pain in the lower abdomen or groin region.

-  Difficulty wearing tight clothing: Sensitivity that makes fitted clothing uncomfortable.

-  Pain with sitting: Persistent discomfort when seated for long periods.

-  Levator ani syndrome: Chronic pain caused by tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor.

-  Constipation: Difficulty with bowel movements that may be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

-  History of abdominal or reproductive organ surgery: Post-surgical pelvic pain and scarring.

Your Treatment, Your Story

At the heart of pelvic health physical therapy is the belief that  you are more than just your pelvic floor . We start by listening to your story, tuning into your intuition, and understanding what you believe might be contributing to your pelvic pain. From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. 

While many people assume pelvic pain can only be treated by addressing the pelvic floor muscles directly, this isn’t always the case. Treatment often begins from the outside in, meaning we look at your overall body mechanics, posture, movement patterns, and even lifestyle factors like stress and diet.

The Path to Relief

No one should have to live with ongoing pelvic pain or sexual difficulty. Through a combination of hands-on therapy, guided exercises, and education, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a holistic approach to help reduce your pain, improve your function, and restore your confidence.

If you’ve been living with pelvic pain, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can uncover the root of your discomfort and work towards lasting relief. You deserve to feel heard, understood, and, most importantly, empowered to regain control of your body.