Painful Intercourse and When to Get Help
When Intimacy Hurts: A Guide to Painful Intercourse and When to Get Help
If you experienced pain during sex this Valentine’s Day weekend—or if you’ve been quietly dealing with painful intercourse for months or years—you’re not alone. Learn what’s causing your pain, when it’s time to seek help, and how pelvic floor physical therapy in Orlando can help you heal.
Valentine’s Day just passed, and while social media is flooded with photos of roses and romantic dinners, there’s a conversation that often gets left out: what happens when intimacy is painful instead of pleasurable?
If you’re reading this because you experienced pain during sex this weekend—or if you’ve been avoiding intimacy altogether because of pain—I want you to know something important: you’re not alone, and this is not something you just have to live with.
Every year around this time, my schedule fills up with women in Orlando and Central Florida who’ve reached a breaking point. Maybe Valentine’s Day was the reminder that this issue isn’t going away on its own. Maybe you’re tired of making excuses or feeling like your body is broken. Or maybe you’re just exhausted from pretending everything is fine when it’s not.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on and when it’s time to get help.
What Is Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)?
Painful intercourse, medically called dyspareunia, is persistent pain that occurs before, during, or after sex. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nearly 3 out of 4 women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.
Pain can occur at different locations:
- At the vaginal entrance (superficial dyspareunia)
- Deep inside the vagina or pelvis during penetration (deep dyspareunia)
- In the vulva, perineum, lower back, or bladder area
For some women, the pain is temporary. For others, it becomes a chronic condition that affects their quality of life, relationships, and mental health.
What Causes Pain During Sex?
Pain with intercourse or vaginal penetration can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes it’s one clear issue, but often it’s a combination of factors. Here are the most common causes:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
Your pelvic floor muscles might be too tight (hypertonic), too weak, or uncoordinated. When muscles can’t relax properly, penetration becomes painful. Think of it like a charley horse that won’t release—except it’s happening in muscles you can’t easily stretch yourself.
Scar Tissue and Adhesions
If you’ve had a cesarean section, perineal tearing during childbirth, episiotomy, endometriosis surgery, or gynecological procedures, scar tissue can create painful restrictions that make penetration uncomfortable.
Hormonal Changes and Vaginal Atrophy
Postpartum, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause can all cause vaginal tissue to become thin, dry, or less elastic. This is called vaginal atrophy, and it makes sex painful for many women
Nerve Sensitivity
Sometimes nerves become hypersensitive and send pain signals even when there’s no actual tissue damage. Conditions like vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia fall into this category.
Past Trauma or Chronic Stress
Your body remembers. Physical or emotional trauma, chronic stress, anxiety about pain, or even tension you carry in your jaw (TMJ) can all contribute to pelvic pain and muscle tension.
Medical Conditions
Endometriosis, PCOS, interstitial cystitis, vaginismus, infections, and other gynecological conditions can cause or contribute to painful intercourse. The ACOG provides comprehensive information about these conditions and their connection to sexual pain.
Why Altamonte Springs Matters for Local Care
Opening in Altamonte Springs makes high‑quality pelvic floor PT more accessible to people who may not have time to drive across town for every appointment. Shorter commute times mean it is easier to stay consistent with care, finish your plan, and actually see the changes you are working toward—like fewer leaks, less pain, and more confidence in your body.
This office also pairs beautifully with Frankly Pelvic’s mobile in‑home and virtual options, so your care can flex with your season of life, childcare needs, and work schedule while still being anchored in your local community.
What to Expect at Your Visit
From your first session at 222 S Westmonte Dr, Suite 230, you can expect one‑on‑one, concierge‑style care with a pelvic health expert who listens to your story and goals. Your visit may include a thorough history, movement and posture assessment, pelvic floor exam (only with your consent), and a clear, customized plan you can realistically follow at home.
Each appointment focuses on education, nervous‑system‑friendly strategies, and building habits that fit your real life—not a generic printout of exercises.
Take the next step toward more comfort, control, and confidence in your body—book your Altamonte Springs pelvic floor PT appointment today and start your pelvic health journey closer to home.
View all of our Frankly Pelvic IN-Person and Virtual Office options and get directions on our websites Office Locations Page here >>
Ready to Book at Altamonte Springs?
If you live or work near Altamonte Springs and have been wondering whether pelvic floor physical therapy could help with leaking, pain, prolapse, or postpartum changes, this new office was created with you in mind. You can schedule directly at the Altamonte Springs Pelvic Floor PT Office by using the online booking link for 222 S Westmonte Dr, Suite 230, or by contacting Frankly Pelvic with questions about which service is right for you.
Want your audience to “Get Frank about Pelvic Health” Let’s Talk!
Are you a company, provider, or organization looking to provide valuable content for your audience on pelvic health, reduce stigma about ‘taboo’ topics, and help educate your community? I am available for future video spots, guest blog posts, and educational collaborations. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to work together on similar topics!
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