Pelvic pain during intercourse is not something that women or even doctors speak about. However it is a very common condition among women. Pelvic pain that makes intercourse painful or difficult is referred to as ‘dyspareunia’.

pelvic painOne of the reasons for this pelvic pain is vaginismus, which is a tightness or tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor.  For some women this condition may occur very early in life, making it difficult to subject to a gynecological exam, or even insert a tampon; having sex may be difficult or impossible. Other women develop vaginismus later in life.

Other reasons for the pain could be vaginal dryness that comes with menopause, or scar tissue occurring as a result of surgeries such as C sections, episiotomies, hysterectomies and so on. Often it may be caused by nothing more than stress.

Very often it is possible to combat pelvic pain by physical therapy which is a step by step approach to relieving tension in the area as well as massage.

As exercise can help to alleviate pain in the other muscles of the body, so it is with the muscles of the pelvic floor as well. Many women find that this physical therapy can actually alter their entire life.