Most people would argue that sexual intercourse is a pleasurable experience. It’s not typically supposed to be painful or uncomfortable in any way. When it is, it’s hard to focus on anything but that pain.
Unfortunately, if you’re experiencing pelvic pain during intercourse, you might try to avoid having sex, altogether.
But, is it normal? Is it something you should just try to ignore, or could it be a sign of something more serious?
Let’s take a closer look at what might be causing pelvic pain during intercourse, and what you should do about it.
Is Pelvic Pain During Sexual Intercourse Normal?
Should you feel pain during sex? No. Does that mean it isn’t normal? No.
Pelvic pain during intercourse is actually more common than you might think. Unfortunately, the issue is often uncomfortable to talk about, so many people suffer in silence instead of determining what might be causing the problem. Maybe you’ve even kept it from your partner for fear of harming your relationship or causing embarrassment or guilt.
The good news? If you’re willing to open up about your pain, you’ll have an easier time finding the underlying cause and a few potential solutions. Taking that first step and admitting you are experiencing pain is often the hardest, but it’s essential to getting to the root of the problem.
What Causes Pelvic Pain During Intercourse?
Your pelvic health is incredibly important to the enjoyment of intercourse, even if it’s not something most people think about. If you’re experiencing any of the following during or shortly after intercourse, it could be a sign of a weak pelvic floor:
- An inability to stay “lubricated” naturally
- A lack of arousal
- Aching in your pelvic region
- Painful muscle spasms
So, what’s causing these issues? Your pelvic muscles require a little bit of tension to work properly. Unfortunately, if there is too much tension, the increased blood flow can make it difficult for your body to become aroused or respond to normal genital functions during intercourse. That lack of arousal can lead to a lot of discomfort. Not only can it cause pain during intercourse, but it can leave an aching feeling in your pelvis and genital region after sex.
If you’ve been experiencing uncomfortable sex for a while or things feel “dry” even when you’re trying to get aroused, it’s likely an issue with your pelvic muscles that should be looked at quickly. Some of the common conditions associated with pelvic pain include Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, and Postpartum Dyspareunia.
Treating Pelvic Floor Issues
The best way to treat pelvic pain during intercourse is to strengthen your pelvic muscles. This can be done in a variety of ways, including using dilators or participating in pelvic floor physical therapy.
Working with a pelvic floor therapist can help you receive the treatment you need quickly. Pelvic issues aren’t “one size fits all,” and they’re unique to every woman. Talking to a therapist might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential in getting to the bottom of your pain and working on healing properly.
Not only can a pelvic floor therapist help with your pelvic pain, but they can work with you to calm your nervous system. You might be anxious about having intercourse because of the pain you’ve experienced in the past. That can cause your body to tense up during sex, so it becomes even more painful. By helping you to ease that anxiety, your body will naturally relax, and you’re less likely to experience so much discomfort.
If you’re interested in learning more or talking about the discomfort you’re feeling during sex and it’s impact on you and/or your intimate relationship(s), don’t hesitate to Contact Us or to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our trained professionals.