Sexual Health
What is sexual health?
It is “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality” (World Health Organization).
Sexual health issues are complex and can be from various causes including emotional, psychological or physical.
Following the birth of a baby is a time women tend to notice or worry about this, however, this can show up as an issue across the whole lifespan. 20-50% of women report pain with sex at some point in their lives and it can also impact men across the lifespan.
People usually have a hard time talking about sexual health issues, they might be embarrassed, frustrated or not sure what to do about it, and by the time they seek help it's been months or several years they have been dealing with it.
If you are going through this, you are not alone!
Sexual health concerns often accompany pelvic pain conditions such as–
Vaginissimus
Vulvodynia & Vestibulodyina
Interstitial Cystisis or Painful Bladder Syndrome
Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction
Are you struggling with this, but not sure where to start?
Don’t give up!
Your outlook and expectations for recovery can impact your outcome.
Have a conversation with your medical provider (your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, or midwife). There are different causes for pain with sex and are often overlapping factors that may be contributing to a person's symptoms. Treatments are not one size fits all.
Consider working with a mental health therapist who specializes in sexual health counseling. This is often tremendously valuable for people in conjunction with their medical treatments.
Book in at Radiance for your personalized pelvic floor assessment. Pelvic floor PT is most effective for sexual health problems when done alongside a multidisciplinary team to help you overcome the complexities of this issue.
Why pelvic PT?
The same muscles that help control your pee, poop, and support your spine also contribute to sexual health, function, AND enjoyment.
For some people struggling with painful sex, the muscles of the pelvic floor are often a source of the pain and commonly overlooked. Those muscles might be tense, have tender spots, be weak or stretched out or have a combination of all of the above.
At Radiance PT, Dr. Mbong Henry has specialized training to address muscle function in the pelvic floor muscles as well as other adjacent body areas that may contribute to pelvic floor issues and your sexual pain concerns. She works alongside you and your medical team to help you learn self management techniques specific to your individual needs.
Do you want to learn more about how to heal your pain and find long lasting relief?
Book your strategy call today!