Understanding Painful Intercourse and How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Sangeeta Sharda
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Pain during intimacy is something many women quietly put up with, often thinking it’s “normal” after childbirth, with menopause, or while living with conditions like endometriosis. The truth? It’s common, but it’s not something you have to accept.
Why does it happen?
There are different reasons why sex can feel painful:
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles sometimes from stress, trauma, or even years of holding tension.
Hormonal changes during menopause that affect tissue elasticity.
Scar tissue from childbirth or surgery.
Conditions like endometriosis or pelvic pain disorders.
Whatever the reason, pain is your body’s way of saying something that needs attention.
Where physiotherapy fits in
At Praxis Rehab, physiotherapy Sangeeta Sharda takes a gentle, supportive approach to treatment. A women’s health physio doesn’t just give you “exercises.” Instead, the focus is on helping your body feel safe, supported and pain-free again. Treatment may include:
Learning how to relax and release your pelvic floor muscles
Gentle manual therapy to ease scar tissue or tightness
Breathing and posture techniques that reduce tension
Education and support around safe movement and intimacy
Sometimes, even a few sessions can make a huge difference to comfort and confidence.
The takeaway
Painful intercourse isn’t something you need to keep enduring. With the right help like seeing a female physiotherapist near you in Belair many women find relief and can return to intimacy without fear.
FAQs
Isn’t pain with sex just part of menopause or after having a baby?
No. While it’s common, it’s not something you should have to live with. Physio can help at any age or stage.
Will I need an internal exam?
Only if you’re comfortable. A pelvic floor physio will explain every option, and there are external ways to treat pain too.
How soon will I see improvement?
Many women notice changes within a few sessions, especially when they continue simple strategies at home.
References:
Hayman, M., Thornton, L., O’Hara, B., et al. (2023). Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: A scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(14), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106216
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