Orgasms can be the very welcome grand finale of an intimate experience. They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, great job down there!” But if you’re someone who feels pain instead of pleasure at the peak moment, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone. A...
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition causing pelvic discomfort and urinary symptoms. While its exact cause is unknown, research shows that pelvic floor dysfunction often plays a key role in symptom...
Nothing kills your post-sex high like feeling that your vagina is on fire. Vaginal burning after sex is not just uncomfortable, it can be concerning, leaving many wondering, "Why does my vagina burn after sex?" While a burning vagina after sex can have many different...
Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic, nerve-related pelvic pain that affects the genital and rectal area. Like most pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapy—including pudendal neuralgia exercises—can help! What is Pudendal Neuralgia? Here’s a quick anatomy lesson: The...
If you’ve ever had ovaries, someone at some point has likely warned you about the unpleasant symptoms accompanying perimenopause and menopause. Sure, people “joke” about things like hot flashes and weight gain. But the truth is many folks are surprised by “weird”...
From Dr. Krystyna Holland, PT, DPT (she/her): Author of the Playbook for Painless Sex, CEO and Founder of Inclusive Care LLC. What is Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder? In my pelvic floor physical therapy practice, I often see individuals seeking help for the...
Chronic pain is a pain. Especially in your back. Can’t sit for too long. Can’t stand for too long. Bending, shifting, lifting; it all hurts. Adenomyosis, a reproductive health condition, can cause some chronic lower back pain. What is Adenomyosis? Adenomyosis is when...
You’re reaching The Big O when suddenly… … it feels like you’ve wet the bed. But did you? Did you actually just… pee? During sex?! If you did, no shame. In fact, this experience is common enough there’s actually a word for it! Let’s explore peeing during sex, what...
Hot flashes. Sleep issues. Mood swings. These are the three horsemen of the meno-pocalypse. Then there’s the fourth horseman—the symptom no one talks much about, despite how common it is - painful sex during menopause. Let’s talk about why you may have painful sex...
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a challenge that’s misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and often just plain missed. So let’s set the record straight on what PCOS and pelvic pain is, why it’s so painful, and how to ease your symptoms. What is PCOS? People who have PCOS...
If you have female reproductive organs, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced “What the heck is happening?!” symptoms here and there. The symptoms of uterine fibroids definitely fall into that category. So let’s talk about fibroids: What they are, how to know if...
Occasional stress is part of being human. These days, though, many people’s stress has escalated from once-in-a-while to chronic. You may be aware that chronic stress can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular health, digestive health, and mental health. Additionally, a...
As cannabis products are being normalized throughout the country, we’re starting to see some evidence for a surprising benefit of these once-taboo products… They may be good for the pelvic floor! Let’s explore the benefits of CBD for pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic...
As if bleeding, cramping, cravings, fatigue, and a whole host of other hard-to-manage symptoms weren’t enough, rectal pain during periods may grace some of us with this extra-special period symptom. Butt cramps. You’re going about your day when suddenly it feels like...
Chronic pain can be hard to talk about. Especially when it’s down there. Especially when it comes to sex. We may even try to convince ourselves that it’s all in our head. Or unfortunately we’ve been told that by unsupportive medical professionals But if you’re...
If you’re thinking, “What the heck is vaginismus?” you’re definitely not alone. Many people with vaginas have never heard of it, and here’s why: Vaginismus symptoms can feel embarrassing to talk about. “I can’t insert a tampon.” “No matter how hard I try, I can’t...
A hysterectomy can be life-changing, most often for the better. But for some people, a hysterectomy can do a number on one’s sex life. Fortunately, painful sex after a hysterectomy doesn’t have to be permanent. What’s a Hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is the surgical...
Let’s play “guess the diagnosis”: You’re feeling a little discomfort in your abdomen and pelvis. You’re frequenting the bathroom more often. You feel a burning sensation when you pee, accompanied by little to no urine. Or, you’re peeing a lot, so much that urine...
I was ten years old the day I got my first period. My mom handed me a maxi-pad and a book about menstrual cycles and said, "Let me know if you have questions." And that was it. No discussion about period care, no tips, and I used the same menstrual products as my mom....
Do you suspect you have an overactive pelvic floor? An overactive pelvic floor is when the muscles contract more than necessary. This results in excessive pelvic floor muscle tension and can lead to trigger points in your pelvic floor. It's just like tight shoulders...
You probably know that menopause presents a whole new set of changes in someone’s life. We discuss hot flashes, sleep issues, and mood swings - but did you know that there is a connection between menopause, pelvic pain and your pelvic floor? Changes in hormones can...
Chronic pain or burning down there? The causes and treatments for vulvodynia and vestibulodynia explained.
Many women and men have overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles and kegels and tightening exercises can make matters worse, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Your pelvic floor may be too tight or tense if you have peeing or pooping issues, have pain with sex, or have any pelvic pain. Here’s what you can do about a too tight pelvic floor.
What to do after being diagnosed with Endometriosis. How a multidisciplinary approach may be the way to go to reduce pain and improve function.
The cause and effects of Endometriosis explained by a pelvic floor physical therapist.
When you can start having sex again after pregnancy and childbirth? Most women wait until after their 6-week physician check up to get the okay to return to intercourse. Some women may want to start having sex sooner than that. I do encourage you to let your body heal...
When and how should you return to sex postpartum? If you have a partner, have an open and honest conversation about easing back into sex or other forms of intimacy.
Have you heard of this rare skin condition? Explore the causes, connections to pelvic health, and treatment options for men and women affected by lichen sclerosis.
A pain in the butt… literally. Causes of tailbone pain explained and how to relax your plevic floor muscles to reduce tension and discomfort.
Lube can be a great addition to sex for pleasure, decrease duration or aid in vaginal dryness. There are so many different choices that it can be hard to find one that will work for your needs. Read on for some tried and true lubricants that are PT approved.
Sex is not supposed to hurt… at all. It’s supposed to be pleasurable and enjoyable. Find out more of what can be causing discomfort with sex.
Following birth, many new mothers experience a range of emotions. It’s important for new moms to be aware of postpartum hormonal changes.
Many women who have been treated for Breast Cancer may experience pelvic floor changes like vaginal dryness and urinary leakage. And they may not know that pelvic floor therapy can help.
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