Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)

Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful intercourse and refers to pain in the genitals associated with intercourse. This pain can vary in location and severity, and can be experienced during and/or after intercourse.

Pain is sometimes experienced at the vaginal entrance when penetration is attempted and can be related to sensitivity of the tissues in this area, excessive tightness of the tissues at the vaginal entrance (e.g. vaginismus), or psychological factors such as previous negative experiences. 

Sometimes the pain is felt deeper inside the vagina. This may be related to contact with the cervix, or sensitive and tender pelvic floor muscles.

Sometimes the pain is related to tissue quality and lubrication levels, particularly when low oestrogen levels are an issue (e.g. in the post-natal period and post-menopause).

Whatever the cause of your dyspareunia, our physiotherapists trained in Women’s Health provide a safe and comfortable environment to identify and work through the factors contributing to your pain experience to help you achieve your desired outcomes.