Written by Roshni Ravi, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.
Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, but it’s not always an easy topic to talk about. Many women experience sexual health dysfunctions at some point in their lives, but they may feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help by way of pelvic floor physiotherapy. There are currently large gaps in the sexual education provided at the elementary school level. Many sex ed classes are focused on birth control and how terrible periods are.
But there is not enough information, if any, on sexual health conditions and how to seek help. We’ve had a lot of conversations with patients about what they wish they had learned in sex-ed. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most commonly asked questions about sexual health dysfunctions in women and offer some tips for managing them.
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor which is a group of muscles that form a supportive hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. They play a key role in maintaining continence, supporting the pelvic organs, and providing stability to the spine and hips.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves a range of exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education to help individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction. Common conditions that may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy include:
- urinary and fecal incontinence,
- pelvic pain,
- pelvic organ prolapse, and
- sexual dysfunction.
Why am I suffering from a low libido? Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help?
Many women experience a decrease in sexual desire at some point in their lives. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and relationship issues. To manage low libido, it’s important to address any underlying issues and make self-care a priority. This can include:
- practicing stress-management techniques,
- getting enough sleep, and
- engaging in regular exercise.
Why does it hurt to have sex?
Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a common sexual health dysfunction in women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including vaginal dryness, infections, and hormonal imbalances. To manage painful intercourse, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. This may include using:
- lubricants,
- treating infections,
- or using hormonal therapy.
I struggle to orgasm during sex, why does that happen?
Many women struggle to achieve orgasm during sexual activity which can be caused by a variety of factors, including, stress, relationship issues, and hormonal imbalances. To manage orgasmic dysfunction, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider or therapist to address any underlying issues and develop strategies for improving sexual function. This may include:
- practicing mindfulness or
- engaging in self-exploration techniques.
My vagina feels like a fort that is impenetrable. Why can I not have sexual intercourse?
Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles of the vaginal wall contract involuntarily, making intercourse difficult or impossible. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including past trauma and anxiety. To manage vaginismus, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider or therapist to address any underlying issues and develop strategies for managing anxiety and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
What is vulvodynia? Do I need pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, or external genitalia. It can cause burning, stinging, or itching sensations, and can make sexual activity painful or uncomfortable. To manage vulvodynia, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. This may include:
- using topical creams or medications,
- practicing relaxation techniques, or
- seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Help! I pee my pants!
Urinary incontinence is a common condition in which urine leaks from the bladder involuntarily. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, pregnancy, and pelvic floor dysfunction. To manage urinary incontinence, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider or pelvic floor physiotherapist to develop a treatment plan. This may include:
- pelvic floor exercises,
- bladder training, or
- medications.
What are the signs of menopause?
Menopause can cause a variety of changes in sexual function, including vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and painful intercourse. To manage these changes, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan. This may include:
- using hormonal therapy,
- vaginal moisturizers, or
- engaging in regular sexual activity to maintain pelvic floor health.
Where can I find a pelvic health physiotherapist near me?
We have 8 locations with pelvic health physiotherapists to help you.
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Mississauga Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Downtown Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Uptown Toronto Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Pelvic Physiotherapy Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Mississauga Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
In conclusion…
Many women experience sexual health dysfunctions at some point in their lives, but they may feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. It’s important to remember that sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, and it’s important to prioritize it in your self-care routine. If you’re experiencing any issues related to sexual function, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or a therapist about your options. Remember, there is help!
Click here to book your consultation with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate pelvic health physiotherapists.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy refers to a specific and advanced field within physiotherapy that deals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can impact people of any age or gender and the term describes several conditions that may affect the urinary, reproductive, digestive, sexual, and/or stability systems in the pelvis.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists have post-graduate training in pelvic health and can resolve many pelvic floor issues in people of all genders and ages.
What type of conditions can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy help women with?
Pelvic Health physiotherapists at our clinics can help women with the following:
- Pelvic floor and abdominal weakness
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Pelvic pain (endometriosis, bowel, bladder pain)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
- Sexual dysfunction, vaginismus, painful intercourse
- Prenatal and postnatal care
- Diastasis Recti
- Labour and delivery prep
Can a pelvic health physiotherapist help men?
Pelvic Health physiotherapists at our clinics can help men with the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Bladder and bowel control problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pre and post prostatectomy
Can your pelvic health physiotherapists help transgender individuals?
Yes, our pelvic health physiotherapists can certainly help transgender individuals.
- Surgical preparation and recovery post-surgery
- Pelvic pain – Endometriosis or PCOS
- Intimacy pain, difficulty with penetration
- Pregnancy and postnatal care for Trans-parents
Pelvic Floor Assessment – what does it entail?
Your first appointment will last about an hour. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will discuss your medical history, do a thorough pelvic health assessment and propose a detailed individualized treatment plan to achieve your pelvic health goals. The assessment may include an internal examination, with your consent, of course, depending on your condition.
Triangle Physiotherapy and our pelvic health team are passionate about supporting our transgender and intersex community.
What should I bring to my appointment? What should I wear?
Make sure you have filled out the Health Questionnaire sent to you by our booking team. Bring any physician or specialist referrals to test results you may have. Please wear comfortable clothing, there are no specific requirements.
How many sessions will I need?
After your assessment, your physiotherapist will prepare a treatment plan for you and be able to indicate how many appointments you may need to achieve your pelvic health goals.
Can I attend my appointment if I have my period?
Your pelvic health physiotherapist can treat you while you have your period, as long as you are comfortable with it.
How do I book an appointment to see a pelvic health physiotherapist at Triangle Physiotherapy?
Triangle Physiotherapy has pelvic health physiotherapists at the following locations:
- Etobicoke Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Mississauga Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga, Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
- North York Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Toronto Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy King West, Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay, Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Oakville Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville