Sexual Wellness & Pelvic Care

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) refer to conditions where the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor are weakened, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. These conditions can have a significant impact on sexual wellness :

● Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) may occur due to vaginal dryness, prolapse, or tension in the pelvic muscles.

● Loss of sensation or difficulty achieving orgasm can happen if pelvic muscles are too tight or weakened.

● Increased risk of urinary leakage during sexual activity, particularly in women who have given birth vaginally.

If you experience pelvic pain during or after sex, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, or a sensation of heaviness in the vaginal area, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to address these issues early. Pelvic floor physical therapy, along with lifestyle changes, can help restore strength and function to these muscles, improving both your sexual and overall health.

Regular pelvic exams are a key part of sexual wellness and reproductive health, and they can help detect early signs of pelvic infections, cervical cancer, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pelvic exams may include :

● Pap smear : Screening for cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.

● Pelvic ultrasound : Assessing organs like the uterus and ovaries for cysts, fibroids, or tumors that could affect sexual health.

● STI screening : Identifying infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV (which is associated with cervical cancer).

● Vaginal health check : Evaluating for infections, dryness, or conditions like vaginal atrophy, which can affect sexual health.

Early detection through pelvic exams allows for timely treatment, preventing complications that could impair sexual wellness. In addition, a gynecologist can offer advice on maintaining sexual health, including ways to improve lubrication, treat infections, and enhance pelvic muscle strength.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common issue that can severely affect sexual health. It can result from a variety of causes, including :

● Endometriosis : A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to painful intercourse, heavy periods, and chronic pelvic discomfort.

● Fibroids : Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain during sex or deep pelvic pain.

● Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) : An infection of the reproductive organs that may result in long-term pelvic pain and sexual discomfort.

● Interstitial cystitis : A bladder condition that causes pain and discomfort during sexual activity.

● Vaginismus : Involuntary pelvic floor muscle spasms that cause pain during penetration.

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the underlying cause but may include :

● Pain management : Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, or local treatments like vaginal creams or suppositories.

● Physical therapy : Pelvic floor therapy can help address muscle spasms or tightness contributing to pain.

● Surgical options : In cases of endometriosis or fibroids, surgery may be required.

● Hormonal treatments : To manage conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, hormonal therapy may be suggested to reduce symptoms.

Consulting with a gynecologist or pelvic pain specialist is critical for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment to manage and relieve chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvic health plays a critical role in bladder control. Weakened pelvic floor muscles, often due to pregnancy, childbirth, or aging, can lead to urinary incontinence (UI), which is the involuntary leakage of urine. The connection is particularly strong in :

● Stress incontinence : Leakage when you cough, sneeze, or laugh due to weakened pelvic muscles.

● Urge incontinence : A sudden, intense urge to urinate, often linked to bladder overactivity.

Preventive measures and treatments include pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), bladder training, lifestyle modifications, weight management, and surgical options.

If you experience urinary leakage, especially during physical activities or sudden movements, it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider who can help with pelvic health rehabilitation and incontinence management.