Few women feel comfortable discussing painful intercourse, much less deep penetration pain. However, many women experience pain that lasts after initial entry. Some women report that “It feels like my partner is hitting something.” Other women experience a broader ache in their pelvis.
So what can cause this type of pain? Below are three common culprits:
Tailbone: A fall onto the tailbone can cause it to be pushed forward or to the side. If the ligaments and tissues attached to the tailbone are also injured, the tailbone can heal in this position. Women with this condition experience painful intercourse, pain with bowel movements, and difficulty sitting for long periods.
Cervix: The cervix is held in its midline position by ligaments that attach to the tall sides. If infection, inflammation, surgery, or trauma occurs in the vagina, adhesions can form and pull the cervix out of alignment. Adhesions can also tighten the cervix, causing a stricture of cervix, which can cause significant pain when impacted by deep penetration.
IUD: An IUD is designed to prevent pregnancy by causing inflammation in the uterus. If the uterus is inflamed, a woman may experience pain during intercourse. Inflammation also causes adhesions to form in the uterus and cervix. Even if the IUD has been removed, a woman can still experience pain during intercourse due to these adhesions.
Our therapists, trained to reduce adhesions, have had great success treating intercourse pain. In our latest study, 96% of patients experienced a decrease in intercourse pain.
The symptoms of stenosis of cervix may include painful periods, difficulty inserting tampons, and challenges with fertility.
Learn more about our treatment for stenosis cervix, sexual dysfunction, and painful intercourse.
“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”