Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) affects up to 20% of women

A close-up of three people's legs and feet, partially covered by white bedsheets, on a white bed.

Dyspareunia is vaginal or pelvic pain that can occur during or after sexual intercourse.

Causes may be complex but may be related to hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor muscles, pain associated with episiotomy, surgical scars, or tearing post vaginal delivery, hormonal changes to the vaginal tissues or other psychological contributors.

Physiotherapy treatment includes:

  • release of the pelvic floor muscles

  • use of dilators to increase the size of the vaginal entrance

  • hip and pelvic stretches

  • management of other associated conditions

Whilst many women find pelvic pain a difficult thing to discuss with a health provider - please be reassured that it is one of the most common things I treat, and there are so many things we can do to help.