Sexual Health & Pelvic Pain
Pelvic floor muscles aide in sexual function. These symptoms can vary, but do effect both males
and females.
Sexual Health & Pelvic Pain in Females
For females, the pelvic floor muscles need the ability to lengthen to allow for penetration. They also need the strength to be able to contract during arousal and orgasm.
Common symptoms of sexual dysfunction related to the pelvic floor muscles in females include:
-
Pain with penetration (deep or superficial dyspareunia)
-
Pain lasting after intercourse
-
Pain with urination following intimacy
-
Urinary urgency or frequency
Often, women will be diagnosed with vaginismus or vulvodynia, which frequently have a connection to pelvic floor hypertension.
Sexual Health & Pelvic Pain in Males
Males can also experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction due to pelvic floor dysfunction. These symptoms can occur during or after intimacy.
Some common symptoms include:
-
Abdominal or pelvic pain
-
Testicular pain or retraction
-
Pain with ejaculation
-
Urinary urgency or frequency
The pelvic floor muscles can also contribute to erectile dysfunction, most often due to an imbalance in tension and strength.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Performing an internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles is the best way to identify specific areas of tension and overall strength and endurance.
An external assessment of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, including the abdominals and hips, is also helpful, as these muscles can contribute to symptoms.
Each session is then designed to address this imbalance through:
-
Manual or myofascial techniques
-
Strengthening as needed
-
Addressing areas of muscle tension
-
Improving overall pelvic floor strength and endurance
The goal is to address the underlying muscular imbalance and help resolve symptoms.