Relief from Painful Sex

Related Conditions

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Relief from Painful Sex

Whether you’re struggling to have penetrative sex with a partner or you’re too nervous to even try, you’ve come to the right place. Treating painful sex isn’t just about increasing pleasure, it’s also likely to improve your mental health — sexual dysfunction is associated with both depression and anxiety.

You might worry that treatment will be awkward, but we’re experts in making you comfortable. Our PTs have helped hundreds of patients address pain and significantly improve their sex lives.

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The Origin Way

Mind + Body Healing

Understand Your Condition

Your PT will take the time to learn about your pain and whether it might be associated with an event (childbirth, menopause, trauma) or due to a hyperactive pelvic floor. They’ll also want to hear your goals and concerns. There’s no such thing as TMI!

Work 1:1 with a Physical Therapist

Your treatment plan will be personalized to your symptoms, circumstances, and goals. It may include:

Manual therapy to relieve tissue pain and tension
Regaining awareness of your pelvic floor
Breathing and other tension-relieving techniques
Vaginal dilators/trainers

Go at Your Own Pace

Origin PTs provide trauma-informed care — you can expect compassion and unwavering support at every step of your journey. On average, treatment requires 20 weekly visits.

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Common & Treatable

Chronic, painful sex affects 1 in 5 women and many don’t realize that it’s treatable. Research shows that 45% of patients who see a PT for vaginal pain report improvement in symptoms.

"It feels like his penis hits a wall."

"I don’t even want to be touched."

"I can only be on top."

Source: Flynn KE, et al. Assessment of vulvar discomfort with sexual activity among women in the United States. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017.

Painful Sex FAQs

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor that surround the vagina, opening are unable to relax. This can make inserting a tampon, gynecological exams or penetrative sex very painful. Primary vaginismus occurs when the pain has always been present, while secondary vaginismus can develop following a specific event like trauma, infection, or menopause.

What causes pain with penetration?

Pain with vaginal penetration is most often due to dysfunction in the tissue or muscles that surround the vaginal opening. Inadequate lubrication can lead to dryness and irritation of the vaginal canal, while spasms in the pelvic floor muscle layers can decrease the size of the vaginal opening making penetration painful or impossible.

How long does it take to reduce pain with penetration?

Depending on the source of the pain, symptoms can improve with pelvic floor physical therapy within weeks or months. Since the pelvic floor muscles may be in spasm for years before discovery, as in the case of primary vaginismus, it can take as many as 20 weekly visits to retrain and lengthen the pelvic floor.

Related Conditions

Dyspareunia

Endometriosis & PCOS Pain

Interstitial Cystitis

Pudendal Neuralgia

Tailbone Pain (coccydynia)

Vaginismus

Vulvodynia

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The Origin Team

Our pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapists have helped over 15,000 patients feel better in their bodies.

Meet Our PTs

Covered by Insurance

Taking care of yourself shouldn’t break the bank. Learn more here.

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The #1 Pelvic Floor PT Platform

Feel-Good Care for Your Fourth Trimester

Every postpartum body deserves expert care. Meet with your PT in-person or virtually, restore strength & balance, and get the support you need to feel your best.

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What do you get?

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Treat & Prevent Symptoms

Heal from childbirth, prevent pain, and rebuild your abs & pelvic floor.

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Feel Like Your Best Self Again

Defy "mom body" stereotypes by feeling stronger than ever.

Get Back To Activities You Love

From exercise to sex to returning to work, move with total confidence.

Covered by Insurance

Postpartum recovery shouldn’t break the bank. Learn more here.

Trusted by Doctors, Loved by New Moms

Origin provides OBGYN-recommended pelvic & whole body physical therapy that’s evidence-based and personalized to meet your needs.

100%

of OBGYNs recommend pelvic floor physical therapy postpartum

89%

of postpartum patients saw improvement in symptoms

90%

of postpartum patients recommend Origin to new moms

Expert care & support

6 visits with a pelvic floor physical therapist
Personalized exercise program, updated weekly
Educational resources prescribed for you
Tracking tools to keep you motivated
Opportunities to connect with & support other moms

Full-body recovery

Evaluate your symptoms
Heal perineal tears
Care for your Cesarean scar
Stop bladder leaks
Heal diastasis recti
Relieve pelvic pain / pain with sex
Improve bowel function
Alleviate mastitis / clogged milk ducts
Treat and prevent low back pain
Support your body for better sleep
Prevent injury while caring for baby
Return safely to exercise

What Our Patients Say About Origin

"I found Origin when I was pregnant. After having my baby, I came back to do pelvic floor work. It's been a godsend!"

Stephanie S.

Separated Abs, Pregnancy

"After my c-section, I was experiencing core weakness, SI joint and hip pain, and tightness in my scar. My PT was incredible to work with and helped me meet my goals."

Sophie S.

Postpartum, C-Section Recovery

"I'm from France, where pelvic floor care is considered crucial post-delivery, and I was so happy when I found Origin. The team is knowledgeable, professional, and thoughtful in their medical approach."

F.C.

Postpartum

"I've learned great exercises and adjustments for daily movements to reduce strain and pain. I've been delighted by how effective the virtual visits are."

Jennifer S.

Low Back Pain