About a third of women will experience pelvic/sexual pain at some point in their lives. Whether your pain is related to post-partum issues (dryness related to breastfeeding, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction from pregnancy) or a chronic condition (IC, endometriosis, vulvodynia, changes from menopause) it is possible to have pleasure sexual experiences with yourself or with your partner. Consider the … [Read more...] about Tips for Pleasurable Sex for Women with Pelvic & Sexual Pain
Sexual and Pelvic Pain
When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
If you have pelvic or sexual pain your doctor may have recommended you do pelvic floor physical therapy. Other recommendations may have also included dilator therapy or getting injections or using suppositories. These treatments not only require time, energy and financial resources, but they can also be triggering for those with trauma in their past. Sexual trauma, medical trauma, an abusive … [Read more...] about When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
Many studies now support the connection between trauma and the later development of sexual or pelvic pain in women. One population-based study of adult women found that sexual, physical and psychological abuse was linked to a four to six-fold increased risk of genital pain in adulthood (Harlow & Stewart, 2005). Another 2011 study found that teen girls suffering from genital pain reported … [Read more...] about Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis & Pleasurable Sex
Women with endometriosis tend to experience pain with deep penetration and thrusting due to the location of endometriosis adhesions. There are however several things you can do to make vaginal sex more pleasurable. First, make sure that you are ONLY dealing with endometriosis pain. Many women with endometriosis also end up developing some level of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, which will … [Read more...] about Endometriosis & Pleasurable Sex
How to Talk to Your Medical Provider About Pelvic or Sexual Pain
Unfortunately, I often hear women tell me they have tried to talk to their doctor about pelvic or sexual pain, but are dismissed or are told that the pain is normal. In fact, in a 2001 study by Harlow, Wise, & Stewart found that 40% of women who sought treatment for pelvic or sexual pain never even received a diagnosis. If you are having pelvic or sexual pain, you should consult your treating … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Medical Provider About Pelvic or Sexual Pain
Having Pain with Sex?
If you are a woman who recently had pain with penetrative sex, you should consult your OB/GYNO to determine the medical factors that may be causing painful sex. Medical conditions that can cause pelvic pain include endometriosis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, various skin conditions, hormonal changes related to menopause, pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, physical trauma from childbirth, hip … [Read more...] about Having Pain with Sex?