What is Dyspareunia?
The term may sound difficult to pronounce, but dyspareunia is a condition commonly seen in many women. In simpler terms, dyspareunia is painful intercourse. The genital pain can occur before during or after sex. Pain can be either persistent or recurrent with sexual activity. This can lead to distress and interpersonal conflict. Dyspareunia can significantly impact woman’s mental and physical health, body image, relationships with partners and effort to conceive. It can effect up to 20 percent of women at some point during their lives, making it one of the most common pain problems in gynecologic practice.
Correct diagnosis of the condition results in an effective treatment. Discussing your pain with the provider (primary care/gynecologist/urologist) is the first step towards it. Talking to your provider without being embarrassed is the key to success. Because of the multiple causes of this condition, a multifaceted approach may be needed to treat the condition.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive option for relieving pain associated with dyspareunia, or genital pain associated with sexual intercourse. A pelvic floor therapist will perform a thorough assessment of the musculoskeletal system to find the cause of pain. He or she can then utilize manual therapy techniques to mobilize the soft tissue, reduce pain and improve function. They can also educate patients on how to perform Kegels and, if needed, they can also teach them how to utilize vaginal dilators for trigger point release. Physical therapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy approaches can be utilized to help relax the muscles and reduce spasms. Modalities like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), electrical stimulation and Biofeedback can be used for pain management. Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle retaining is a treatment to help patients learn to strengthen or relax their pelvic floor muscles in order to decrease pelvic floor pain. An individualized comprehensive home exercise program will be provided per each patient’s needs.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can incorporate breathing exercises to decrease muscle tension. The diaphragm is tightly connected to the pelvic floor, as it has a piston relationship with pelvic floor muscles. So shallow breathing can increase tension in pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscle forms the base of your core. It shares common fascia with abdominals and interacts with back extensors as well as hips. Women with low back pain often have underlying pelvic floor dysfunction. Learning proper ways to stretch across all these groups will not only reduce stress but also improve muscle health and flexibility.
Kanwaldeep Kaur Kapoor P.T., D.P.T. specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, treating all symptoms involving bowel, bladder and sexual health. She is accepting new patients at MyMichigan Rehabilitation at the Campus Ridge Building, located on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. Those interested in scheduling an appointment with her may call (989) 837-9100.
