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Writer's pictureDr. Julianna Allen

Embrace Your Sexual Health

Updated: Oct 20


pelvic floor therapy for improved sexual health

Did you know only 25% of women always have an orgasm during vaginal intercourse? Did you know 75% of women will experience pain during sex in their lifetime? These are common, yet often not talked about, issues. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their concerns with their partner, friends or even health care providers. The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. Sexual health is important. Sex shouldn’t hurt. Enjoying sex should be the norm rather than the exception. The orgasm gap is real and we are here to help!


How Your Pelvic Floor Impacts Sexual Pleasure


Your pelvic floor plays an important role in helping you find pleasure during sex. Your pelvis houses a lot of nerve endings, especially around the clitoris and vagina. One of the 4 main functions of your pelvic floor is sexual function and pleasure.


Muscle Strength ~ The strength of your pelvic floor muscles can influence your sexual pleasure. Strong muscles can improve sensation by creating more tension and friction which can lead to more intense sensory input.


Blood Flow ~ A strong, healthy pelvic floor promotes better blood flow and lubrication for your genitals which increases sensitivity and pleasure during sex.


Orgasm Enhancement ~ Your pelvic floor muscles contract during orgasm. Stronger -- and well relaxing -- muscles can give you more intense and prolonged orgasms.


pelvic floor therapy for improved sexual health

Sexual Health & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction


Dysfunction in your pelvic floor will directly impact the quality of your sexual health. These conditions can cause pain and embarrassment, which may lead to avoidance of sex at all. This can greatly impact your self confidence and the quality of your relationship with your partner.


Dyspareunia ~ The experience of pain during intercourse, most often caused by tight or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles which makes relaxing during sex difficult. This is a catch all term that doesn't specify why you have pain.


Vaginismus ~ This condition is when your pelvic floor muscles contract or spasm uncontrollably around the opening of the vagina. This makes penetrative sex very painful, and in some cases, impossible.


Anorgasmia ~ The persistent inability to achieve orgasm despite stimulation. This is often caused by weak or tight pelvic floor muscles in addition to a lack of correct stimuli.


Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) ~ SUI occurs when urine leaks during physical activities such as jumping, sneezing, or even sex. This is often caused by weak pelvic floor muscles or a combination of tight and weak muscles.


Improve Your Sexual Health with Pelvic Floor Therapy


The best approach to begin the healing process toward improved sexual health and function is to have a proper pelvic floor assessment. During this assessment, your pelvic floor therapist will likely test your muscle strength, coordination and ability to relax. They will also assess your posture, along with your bowel and bladder habits. At Embrace, an internal examination is only performed if you are comfortable with it and we never use speculums. With the results of this assessment, we can begin a treatment plan with exercises and manual therapy targeted to your specific issues, be that tight muscles, weak muscles, dysregulation of your nervous system, or something else.


A strong and healthy pelvic floor will enhance your physical pleasure, and your emotional and psychological well-being. It's also important to learn how to talk about your sexual experience and desires with your partner. Everyone should feel in control of their body and experience pain-free, pleasurable sex.


pelvic floor therapy for improved sexual health

 

If you have pelvic health concerns and would like to see how our therapists at

Embrace can help, follow the link to schedule your free discovery call.


Embrace Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Somerville MA


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