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How to heal pelvic pain and dyspareunia in women

The problem with pelvic pain is that it can’t be seen and it’s hard to diagnose. Women will often suffer for many years before finding help.

You may have been diagnosed with vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, bladder pain syndrome or coccydynia…or not.

Either way, this is distressing, both physically and emotionally. You are not alone.

1 in 5 women experiences pelvic pain or dyspareunia (sexual pain).

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PELVIC FLOOR IN PELVIC PAIN AND DYSPAREUNIA?

The pelvic floor muscles attach from the pubic bone in the front to the tail bone at the back, much like a sling.

These muscles play an important role in sexual, bladder and bowel function. If you have difficulty relaxing your pelvic floor muscles, sex can be painful. Chronically tight or overactive muscles can lead to ongoing pain.

The pelvic floor muscles may spasm involuntarily in response to or in anticipation of pain or penetration, leading to an overactive pelvic floor. This may happen with endometriosis, following pelvic surgery, in women with a history of abuse, infection, over-active abdominal muscles, and nerve damage or injury.

Let’s not underestimate the impact stress can have on your symptoms, as well as the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding and menopause.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC OR SEXUAL PAIN?

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain on tampon insertion or having a PAP smear
  • Involuntary pelvic floor spasm
  • Vulval pain with sitting and tight clothing
  • Painful periods
  • Pain with a full bladder
  • General chronic pelvic pain that may be related to endometriosis
  • Coccyx pain

HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP OVERCOME SEXUAL AND PELVIC PAIN?

There is sound evidence to support physiotherapy in reducing pain through the treatment of possible pelvic floor muscle tension/over-activity. We can help you to understand your pain and embrace life.

Some techniques I find useful are:

  • Pain education
  • Optimisation of vaginal mucosa through the use of vaginal moisturisers or referral to GP for vaginal estrogen
  • Touch de-sensitisation and manual therapy
  • Relaxation, mindfulness and breathing techniques
  • Use of vaginal trainers

As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I understand this complex problem and will work with you to achieve your goals.

If you are suffering from pelvic pain or dyspareunia, please call/WhatsApp on 9780 7274 or get in touch over email to learn how we can work together or to get on top of things (pun intended).

You can also visit our website to learn about other women’s conditions we treat through physiotherapy and how we can help you.

Reference:

Fall, Magnus & Baranowski, A.P. & Fowler, C-J & Lepinard, V & Malone-Lee, James & Messelink, Bert & Oberpenning, Frank & Osborne, J.L. & Schumacher, Stefan. (2005). EAU Guidelines on Chronic Pelvic Pain. European urology. 46. 681-9. 10.1016/j.eururo.2004.07.030.

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Professional, Knowledgeable, Patient and Caring - highly recommended! I’ve completed 8 sessions with Preet to prepare for birth and a follow up post birth and was impressed at her level of care. She does a thorough assessment while keeping you comfortable and relaxed. I would highly recommend Preet

Leanne Avatar Leanne
September 30, 2021

Preet and her team have been helping me to improve my core strength since the birth of my second child last year. I cannot recommend them more highly for the professional and warm service provided. Preet is highly knowledgeable and competent in post-partum recovery.

Stephanie Krebs Avatar Stephanie Krebs
June 7, 2023

I had a fantastic experience visiting Preet’s clinic 6 weeks after I delivered my baby. The physio Alex was detailed, caring and thorough in her assessment of my pelvic floor, back and abdominal muscles. The clinic is a beautiful, calming place and perfect for new mums to get taken care of. Thank you and I would definitely recommend visiting Embrace not just for post-partum issues, but any issues to do with your physical well being particularly for women’s health. Keep up the good work Preet, Alex and the Embrace team!!

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February 3, 2022

Embrace life. Embrace Physiotherapy.

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