Experiencing painful sex? Here’s how a physio can help

If pain has been creeping into your intimate moments, it’s time to pause and figure out why.

The first step is understanding what’s happening.

Common symptoms of sexual pain

Sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, is pain felt in the genital or pelvic area before, during, or after sexual intercourse. It can stem from a variety of physical, hormonal, or psychological factors, and it doesn’t always present in the same way.

Some common symptoms include:

Pain at the point of penetration (even with a tampon)
Deep pain during thrusting
A burning or aching sensation
Throbbing discomfort lasting hours after sex

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth reaching out to a professional who can help you get to the root of what’s going on.

Why do some women experience painful intercourse?

There’s no single cause of painful sex. It often results from a combination of factors. Some of the most common include:

Pelvic floor muscle tension
Hormonal changes like menopause, pregnancy, and postpartum can lead to vaginal dryness, changes in tissue elasticity, and increased sensitivity
Medical conditions such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis, infections, and certain skin conditions can all contribute to pain
When the body experiences persistent pain, the nervous system can become overly sensitive, making even gentle touch feel painful
Stress, anxiety, past trauma, or fear of pain can also play a role

How can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with dyspareunia?

One of the most effective treatments for painful sex is pelvic floor physiotherapy. Our friendly women’s health physios can assess what’s contributing to your discomfort and guide you through treatments like:

Pelvic floor muscle training or relaxation
Nervous system desensitisation
Biofeedback and TENS therapy
Gentle insertion training
Breathwork and relaxation techniques
Lifestyle management, including skincare, bowel health, and movement

At North West Healthy Women, we provide a safe, judgement-free space to explore what’s going on and what can help.

Debunking common myths about sexual pain

There’s a lot of misinformation around painful sex, and it can make women feel like their experiences aren’t valid. Let’s clear up a few myths:

Pain during sex is normal

While many women experience pain at some point, ongoing discomfort isn’t something you have to tolerate. It’s a sign that something needs attention.

“It’s all in your head”

Reality: Sexual pain is real, and it often has a physical cause. Even when psychological factors are involved, they are just as valid and deserve compassionate care.

Alcohol can help with painful sex

While alcohol may temporarily help to relax you, it won’t address the root cause of pain. Instead, seeking professional support can lead to long-term relief.

If I have a condition like endometriosis or vaginismus, sex will always be painful

Many women with chronic conditions find relief through the right combination of treatments. You are not stuck with pain forever.

Are there exercises that can help?

Yes! Some gentle stretches and movements can help your pelvic floor relax and reduce discomfort such as breathwork, meditation, exploring different positions and yoga like child’s pose and happy baby pose.

North West Healthy Women

Whether it’s pelvic health physiotherapy, muscle relaxation techniques, hormone support, or a combination of things, we’ll help you find what works best for your body.