Pain With Intimacy? Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help
- elaineruzphysiothe0
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Pain with intimacy can feel confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining — especially when you don’t know why it’s happening. Many people assume discomfort is “normal,” or something they just need to tolerate.
But here’s the truth: pain with intimacy is common, but it is not normal — and it is treatable.
At Uniphysio & Associates (Oakville-Mississauga), we support patients through evidence-based pain with intimacy pelvic floor physio treatment in a respectful, private setting — with a focus on long-term results and comfort.
What Is “Pain With Intimacy”?
Pain with intimacy is often called dyspareunia (pain with penetration or intercourse). It can occur:
Before intimacy (anticipation pain)
During penetration
With deep movement
After intimacy (lingering soreness, cramping, burning)
Pain may feel like:
Burning or stinging
Tightness or blockage
Sharp pain
Deep pelvic aching
Pressure
Pelvic cramping
And it can happen to people of all genders — not only after childbirth.
Common Causes of Pain With Intimacy
Pain with intimacy is usually linked to pelvic floor muscles, tissues, nerves, or joint mechanics. In many cases, it’s a combination.
1) Overactive / Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles
A common cause is pelvic floor muscles that are too tense and unable to relax. This often happens from:
Chronic stress
Holding tension in the body
Pain history
Protective muscle guarding
When muscles stay tight, penetration becomes painful — similar to trying to stretch a cramped muscle.
2) Vaginal Dryness or Hormonal Changes
Postpartum, breastfeeding, perimenopause/menopause, and hormonal birth control can contribute to dryness and tissue sensitivity.
3) Scar Tissue & Postpartum Changes
After childbirth, tearing, or C-section recovery, scar tissue may reduce mobility and increase sensitivity.
4) Vulvodynia / Vestibulodynia
This is pain near the opening of the vagina (often burning or stinging), sometimes linked with nerve sensitivity, inflammation, pelvic floor tension, or hormonal factors.
5) Endometriosis or Pelvic Pain Conditions
Conditions such as endometriosis can create chronic pelvic inflammation and contribute to pelvic floor guarding.
6) Tailbone, Hip, or Low Back Dysfunction
Pelvis biomechanics matter. Joint stiffness or instability in:
SI joint
hips
lumbar spine
They can affect pelvic floor tone and pain.
Why Pelvic Floor Muscles Affect Intimacy
Your pelvic floor muscles form a supportive sling at the base of your pelvis. They help with:
bladder control
bowel function
sexual function
pelvic stability
circulation and blood flow
If these muscles are too tight, weak, uncoordinated, or sensitive, intimacy can become uncomfortable or painful.
How Pelvic Floor Physio Helps Pain With Intimacy
Pelvic floor physio isn’t just “Kegels.” In fact, Kegels can make pain worse for some people with tight pelvic floors.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on restoring:
relaxation
mobility
strength (if needed)
coordination
confidence
What We Treat in Pelvic Floor Physio:
✅ Pelvic muscle tightness and trigger points
✅ Sensitivity and pain patterns
✅ Scar tissue restrictions
✅ Breathing and core function
✅ Hip and pelvic mobility
✅ Nervous system tension and guarding
✅ Posture and load management
What Happens in a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?
At Uniphysio, your comfort and consent come first.
Initial Assessment Includes:
Detailed history and symptom review
Pelvic, hip, low back evaluation
Breathing & posture assessment
Muscle tension patterns
If appropriate (and only with consent), an internal pelvic exam may be offered to assess muscle tone and trigger points — but it is never mandatory.
Treatment May Include:
External & internal muscle release (if consented)
Myofascial therapy and trigger point release
Breathing retraining (diaphragm + pelvic floor connection)
Pelvic floor relaxation techniques
Hip and pelvic mobility work
Home program (gentle stretches and strategies)
Education around pain and nervous system responses
Can Bioflex Laser Therapy Help Pelvic Pain?
Yes — when clinically appropriate, Bioflex Laser Therapy can support healing and reduce pain sensitivity.
At Uniphysio, Bioflex is often included during physiotherapy treatment plans at no extra cost, when recommended by your therapist.
Bioflex can help with:
reducing inflammation
tissue healing support
pain modulation (nervous system calming)
circulation enhancement
When Should You Seek Help?
Consider pelvic floor physio if you experience:
pain with penetration or intercourse
burning, stinging, or tightness during intimacy
pain after intimacy
pelvic heaviness or pressure
urinary urgency/frequency + pelvic tension
fear/anxiety because of pain
Pain with intimacy is not “normal,” even if it is common.
Results: What Improvement Looks Like
Many patients notice progress in:
reduced tightness and burning
less sensitivity at the entrance
improved relaxation and confidence
improved ability to tolerate penetration
better pelvic stability and core function
Every case is different — but the body can absolutely improve with the right approach.
Book Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Oakville-Mississauga
At Uniphysio & Associates, we provide private, respectful, one-on-one pelvic floor physiotherapy for patients.
If you’re experiencing pain with intimacy, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again — safely, and without judgment.
Or Call Us today!
(905) 997-1677
FAQs
Is pelvic floor physio painful?
Treatment should never be forceful. Most techniques are gentle, and your therapist will work within your comfort.
Do I need an internal exam?
No. Internal assessment is optional and only done with full consent.
How many sessions will I need?
Some patients improve in a few sessions, others may require longer care depending on complexity, chronicity, and underlying conditions.
