Sexual Health is Pelvic Health: you don’t have to live with pain

Sexual health issues can feel isolating as well as be difficult to talk about or describe to your partner. Perhaps sex has become painful, you experience discomfort after orgasm, or you have noticed changes following childbirth or during menopause. You might wonder whether what you are experiencing is only you or if others have it too!

You don’t have to simply put up with pain or discomfort.

At Novella Health, I support women experiencing pelvic pain and sexual health concerns. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important first step towards finding appropriate care.

It’s not just painful penetration

Sexual health involves much more than whether penetration hurts. You might experience:

• Pain during or after sex, or following orgasm.

• Deep pelvic pain or persistent discomfort after intimacy.

• Burning, tenderness or sensitivity around the vulva or vaginal opening.

• Difficulty reaching orgasm or changes in sexual response.

• Involuntary pelvic floor tightening or difficulty with penetration.

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort associated with hormonal changes.

• Fear of pain that makes intimacy stressful or difficult.

These symptoms can have several contributing factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, vulval sensitivity, endometriosis, hormonal changes, previous injury or scar tissue, and increased nervous system sensitivity.

Persistent or recurring pain should not be dismissed as something you simply have to accept. If sex has been painful from your first experiences, or you are avoiding intimacy because you anticipate discomfort, you deserve to have your concerns taken seriously.

Pelvic health through life’s changes

After childbirth

Returning to sex after having a baby can be challenging. Perineal tears, scar tissue, pelvic floor changes and hormonal shifts may contribute to discomfort.

Breastfeeding can also be associated with lower oestrogen levels, which may contribute to vaginal dryness and pain. You don’t necessarily need to stop breastfeeding to address these symptoms. A vaginal moisturiser or estrogen cream (speak to your GP) may help. We can discuss the options and see what works best for you and then your GP can make sure you’re medically suitable for the prescription.

During perimenopause and menopause

Changing oestrogen levels can affect vaginal tissues, lubrication and comfort. Some women experience dryness, sensitivity or pain during sex.

Hormonal changes aren’t always the whole story. Pelvic floor muscle tension, tenderness and coordination may also contribute. An individual assessment can help identify factors that may benefit from treatment.

Orgasm and sexual pleasure

Sexual wellbeing isn’t only about avoiding pain. Difficulty reaching orgasm, changes in orgasm or pelvic pain afterwards are also worth discussing. The pelvic floor and nervous system can play a role in sexual function, although symptoms may have several possible causes.

How can pelvic health physiotherapy help?

Pelvic health physiotherapy may help identify and address the muscular, movement-related and scar-related factors contributing to your symptoms.

At Novella Health, your assessment is guided by your concerns and goals. Depending on your presentation, this may include assessing pelvic floor muscle tension, tenderness, coordination, breathing, movement patterns, scar tissue and pain sensitivity.

Treatment is individualised to your needs. Physiotherapy does not replace medical investigation where necessary, and working alongside your GP or other healthcare professionals may be an important part of your care.

An internal examination is not automatically required for every concern. If one is being considered, we can discuss why it may be helpful and what it involves so you can make an informed decision.

Sensitive, respectful care

Talking about sexual health can feel vulnerable, particularly if you have experienced birth trauma or other difficult experiences.

I aim to provide a sensitive, respectful environment where your concerns can be discussed without judgement. Your comfort, boundaries and goals are important to me.

Consider seeking help if you experience persistent pain during or after sex, painful orgasm, difficulty with penetration, vulval sensitivity, or sexual discomfort as a teen, following childbirth or during menopause.

You don’t need to wait until symptoms significantly affect your quality of life before asking for support.

Take the next step

Sexual health is pelvic health, and both deserve attention throughout life. Whether you’re experiencing pain, discomfort or changes in sexual function, there may be options to explore.

You deserve to feel comfortable in your body. Let’s work towards understanding what’s happening and what may help.

Visit www.yournovellahealth.com to learn more or book an appointment.

This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Yours in sexual health,

Dr Camille Rains- Physiotherapist

Novella Health- Whitsundays: Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen

Supporting women’s health & hormones, pelvic rehab, and nurturing fertility through physiotherapy