What it is
Pain with sex
Pain with sex (the medical term is dyspareunia) is pain in the vulva, vagina or pelvis during or after penetration. It can come from tight or guarding pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue after birth or surgery, thinner and drier tissue when estrogen is low (after birth, while breastfeeding, or in menopause), skin conditions, or infection. Pain also teaches muscles to brace ahead of time, which can keep the cycle going.
Painful sex is common and rarely talked about. It’s a health issue, not a relationship failure, and it’s treatable.
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This isn’t a diagnosis. If something feels urgent, see the list below.
How Katrina helps
A plan built around you
- 1
Talk first, at your pace
Nothing happens without your okay, and an internal exam is always optional.
- 2
Ease the guarding
Techniques to relax tense muscles and help scar tissue move.
- 3
Build comfort back
A gradual plan, while your medical provider handles infection or hormone questions.
In Katrina’s words
We create a calm, clinical space to talk about what you feel—without explicit how-to content on this site and without shame. Pelvic floor physical therapy may address muscle tension, coordination, scar tissue mobility, and the way fear and pain interact.
We move at your pace. You are always in control of what happens in the room, and we explain options before any exam.
If you have untreated infections, unexplained bleeding, or severe sudden pain, see your physician or gynecology provider first.
Your first visit, your way
You’re in control the whole time
- We start by talkingYour story and your goals come first.
- Nothing without your okayEvery step is explained before it happens.
- Internal exam is optionalWe can learn a lot without one, and you decide.
- One-on-one with KatrinaUnhurried, private, and at your pace.
Free 15-minute call
Ready to start the conversation?
Send a quick note and I'll call you for a free 15-minute chat. No pressure, just clarity.
We don't bill insurance directly. Every plan is different, so we'll talk through cost and coverage on your free call. HSA/FSA cards often work for visits.
Common questions
FAQs
Do I need to bring my partner?
No. Sessions are one-on-one with your pelvic PT. We can discuss partner communication if that is a goal for you.
Is this only for postpartum women?
No. We work with women across life stages—including perimenopause dryness or tension and athletes who notice pain with intimacy after injury or surgery.
Will you use dilators?
Sometimes, as one tool among many. We never push a device or technique you are not ready for.