Pelvic + Sexual Pain

Pelvic pain can arise from a variety of sources, including nerve issues, reproductive and organ-related conditions, orthopedic problems, and more, each affecting your quality of life in unique ways.

Dyspareunia

Are you experiencing painful intercourse? It could be linked to several factors:

Vulvodynia: Pain in the vulva
Vestibulodynia: Pain at the vaginal entrance
Vaginismus: Tight, painful pelvic floor muscles
Levator Ani Syndrome: Pelvic floor spasms, often felt as intense rectal pain
Scar Tissue Restrictions: Scars from open and laparoscopic surgeries; chronic inflammatory conditions like endometriosis, cysts, and fibroids; and birth-related scars like cesarean sections, episiotomies, and vaginal tears
“Short” Pelvic Floor: Tight, habitual holding pattern of the muscles
Atrophic Vaginitis: Hormonal changes, often caused by menopause, birth control, postpartum hormone changes, breast cancer treatment, and breastfeeding, leading to frail tissues, poor self-lubrication, dryness, itching, and burning

Reproductive + Organ-Related Pain

Dealing with pain related to your reproductive system? Here are some common issues:

Dysmenorrhea: Extremely painful or heavy periods that interfere with daily life (this is not normal!)
Endometriosis: Uterine tissues growing outside the uterus, often causing pain, urinary, and digestive issues
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A complex condition affecting metabolism and hormones, leading to pain, difficulty getting pregnant, weight gain, and other systemic problems
Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the ovaries or uterus, which can cause pain, abdominal bloating, discomfort, and painful periods
Cesarean Scar Tissue: Whether it’s new or old, it can cause issues
Chronic Yeast Infections: Imbalances in the gut, bladder, and vulvar/vaginal regions
Chronic Burning or Itching: This could be due to pelvic nerve entrapments if other medical conditions have already been ruled out

Nerve Pain or Sensation Changes

Experiencing strange sensations or pain due to nerve issues? Here are some common conditions:

Pudendal Neuralgia: This involves nerve entrapment causing pain or numbness in the perineum, often worsening with sitting
Sciatica: Pain that radiates down back of the leg(s)
Femoral Nerve Entrapment: Pain traveling down the front of the thigh(s)
Obturator Nerve Entrapment: Pain extending down the middle of the thigh(s)
Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment: Pain, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh
Referral or Trigger Point Pain: Pain that feels like it’s coming from another area.

Orthopedic Pain

Dealing with pain in your bones or joints? Here are some common types:

Coccydynia: Tailbone pain
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction: Discomfort in the pubic bone area
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Pain in the lower back and buttocks
IT Band Syndrome: Tightness or pain on the outer thigh
Low and Mid Back Pain: General pain in the lower and middle back
Hip Pain: Discomfort in the hip area
Knee Pain: Pain in the knee
Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the stomach area
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility: A spectrum of conditions that often include joint instability, muscle tightness and pain, digestive or bowel issues, poor bladder control, pelvic organ prolapse, and cardiovascular problems

How does pelvic floor physical therapy help?

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at Well Women Physical Therapy is all about understanding and caring for your entire body. It involves a complete assessment of your body and uses hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, breathing methods, pain neuroscience education, lifestyle advice, and basic nutrition tips to tackle issues in your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvic area. This therapy can be a game-changer for women, helping to relieve pain, improve bowel and bladder function, boost overall pelvic stability, and empower you with self-care techniques. Ultimately, it’s about improving your quality of life so you can move and function daily without pain.

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Keena

"Dr. Jasia is very professional and informative! I highly recommend her."