Female Pelvic Pain and Sexual Pain
Pelvic pain affects women of all ages. This can often include pain with sex. People often suffer with it for many years before finding help. It is difficult to diagnose and can be very distressing to experience. The pain can be felt in the lower abdomen, inside the pelvis or between the legs in the genital and perineal region. Types of pelvic pain or sexual pain can also be called vaginismus, vulvodynia or vestibulodynia.
In many cases women with pelvic pain also have abnormal tension in the pelvic floor muscles which can worsen the pain and also cause other symptoms.
Symptoms of female pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle tension
- Pain in the lower abdomen, internal pelvis, genitals or perineum
- Pain with sitting
- Pain with light pressure on the vulva from clothes or touching
- Painful sex (with touch, penetration, orgasm or afterwards)
- Pain using tampons or during cervical screening (PAP) tests
- Internal pelvic floor spasms
- Painful periods
- Pain or pressure with a full bladder or bowel
- General chronic pelvic pain that may be related to endometriosis
- Tail bone or coccyx pain
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
- Tense, tight pelvic floor muscles
- Over training or tense core / abdominal muscles
- Nerve irritation or compression
- Recurrent infections e.g. thrush
- Inflammatory conditions of the skin
- Hormonal changes associated with menopause or breastfeeding
- Psychological factors such as mood, relationship issues or past abuse
- High stress levels and difficulty relaxing
New Patient Special Offer
$20 Off your Initial Physio Assessment
New Patient Special Offer
$20 Off your Initial Physio Assessment
How Pelvic Physiotherapy Can Help
Your pelvic physiotherapist is skilled in working with you to find the factors contributing to the pain. We will help you to understand and manage the pain and teach you how to reduce any pelvic muscle tension. You will receive an individualised program which may include pelvic floor muscle relaxation, generalised relaxation, manual therapy, stretches, education and practical advice. We like to work as a team with your doctor and other health professionals involved in your care.