Dysparuenia is a general term meaning any pain with intercourse.  This can occur at different stages in a woman's life for different reasons.  Sometimes pain is isolated to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, but sometimes may occur in conjunction with other pelvic pain conditions such as vulvadynia, interstitial cystitis, and endometriosis. Hormonal changes may also influence vaginal tissues, making them dryer and more painful.  

Physical therapy treatment will depend on the cause of pain.  Treatment may include: pelvic floor muscle reeducation, manual therapy to painful tissues, modalities, skin healing measures, and strategies to return to intercourse.  We work closely with your physician to ensure a comprehensive team approach to best meet your needs.

A recent study reported that almost 72% of their population of women seeking routine gynecological care complained of sexual pain (Nusbaum, 2000). Other studies state that sexual dysfunction is present in 19-63% of women, with dyspareunia as the primary complaint in 8-48% (Phillips, 1998). Campbell's Urology states that for pain during or after sex the prevalence estimate is 3-48%, lifetime estimates from population- based studies are from 17-19% while clinic-based studies state that the prevalence is 10-20%.

Back to Pelvic Floor Rehab