Pelvic Floor Therapy

No More Painful Sex with Pelvic Floor Therapy

Painful sex affects millions of women, yet many suffer in silence, believing it’s something they must simply endure. The truth is that pain during intercourse is not normal, and women deserve to experience intimacy without discomfort or fear. At Santa Fe OBGYN, we offer specialized pelvic floor therapy with Jacqueline Maestas, DPT, a licensed physical therapist who is certified in pelvic floor therapy, to help women reclaim comfortable, pleasurable intimate experiences.

Many women describe painful sex as a burning, stabbing, or aching sensation that can occur at penetration or deep during intercourse. This condition, medically known as dyspareunia, can strain relationships, diminish self-esteem, and create anxiety around intimacy. The good news is that pelvic floor therapy offers a proven, non-invasive solution that addresses the root causes of painful sex rather than simply masking symptoms.

Understanding why pain occurs during intercourse is the first step toward finding relief. For many women, the issue stems from dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, the group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles become too tight, weak, or uncoordinated, they can create pain during sexual activity.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy for Painful Sex

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. Unlike general physical therapy, this treatment requires advanced training and certification to address the unique and sensitive nature of pelvic floor dysfunction. Jacqueline Maestas, DPT at Santa Fe OBGYN has completed extensive certification in pelvic floor therapy and understands the complex interplay between muscle function, pain, and sexual health.

During pelvic floor therapy sessions, women work one-on-one with their therapist in a private, comfortable setting. Treatment may include internal and external manual therapy techniques to release tight muscles, exercises to improve muscle coordination and strength, and education about how breathing, posture, and daily habits affect pelvic floor function. Many women notice improvement in their symptoms within just a few sessions, though the complete treatment course varies based on individual needs.

What Causes Painful Sex in Women

Painful sex can result from numerous physical and physiological factors. One of the most common causes is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, where the muscles become hypertonic or overly tense. This excessive tension prevents the muscles from relaxing properly during penetration, creating a guarding response that causes pain. Childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery, can stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles or create scar tissue that contributes to discomfort during sex.

Hormonal changes also play a significant role in painful sex. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, decreased estrogen levels during breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause can cause vaginal dryness and tissue thinning, making intercourse uncomfortable. Endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affects approximately one in ten women according to the National Institutes of Health and frequently causes deep pelvic pain during sex.

Previous pelvic surgery, including cesarean sections, hysterectomies, or procedures to address pelvic organ prolapse, can create adhesions or scar tissue that limits tissue mobility and causes pain. Conditions like vulvodynia, characterized by chronic vulvar pain, and vaginismus, where involuntary muscle spasms prevent penetration, are also common culprits. Psychological factors including anxiety, past trauma, or fear of pain can also create a cycle where anticipation of discomfort causes muscle tension, which then produces the very pain that was feared.

How Many Women Experience Painful Sex

Painful sex is far more common than many women realize. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately three out of four women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives. For many, this is a temporary issue related to circumstances like postpartum healing or a vaginal infection. However, research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine indicates that between ten and twenty percent of women in the United States experience chronic painful sex that persists for three months or longer.

Despite how widespread this condition is, studies show that fewer than half of women who experience painful sex discuss it with their OBGYN or other healthcare provider. This silence is often rooted in embarrassment, the mistaken belief that painful sex is normal, or a concern that nothing can be done to help. The impact extends beyond physical discomfort. Research has demonstrated that women with chronic painful sex report decreased sexual desire, lower relationship satisfaction, and higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to women without sexual pain.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Treats Painful Sex

Pelvic floor therapy addresses painful sex through a comprehensive, individualized approach that targets the underlying causes of discomfort. The treatment begins with a thorough evaluation where Jacqueline Maestas, DPT assesses pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, coordination, and any tender points or restrictions. This assessment helps identify whether muscles are too tight, too weak, uncoordinated, or a combination of these factors.

For women with hypertonic or tight pelvic floor muscles, therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension through manual therapy techniques. These may include internal myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and gentle stretching of the pelvic floor muscles. External work on the hips, lower back, and abdomen is often incorporated since tension in these areas can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. As muscles begin to relax, many women notice immediate reduction in pain during intercourse.

Pelvic floor therapy also includes neuromuscular re-education, teaching women how to properly contract and, equally important, fully relax their pelvic floor muscles. Many women with painful sex have lost the ability to consciously relax these muscles, and biofeedback tools may be used to help visualize and retrain proper muscle function. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques help reduce the anxiety and muscle guarding that often accompany painful sex.

The therapy extends beyond the treatment table with at-home exercises and lifestyle modifications. Women learn proper posture and body mechanics that support pelvic floor health, along with specific stretches and exercises to maintain progress between sessions. Jacqueline Maestas, DPT may also recommend dilator therapy for women with vaginismus or severe tightness, gradually helping tissues accommodate comfortable penetration. Education about sexual positioning, pacing, and communication with partners empowers women to take an active role in their healing.

Why Choose Pelvic Floor Therapy at Santa Fe OBGYN

Seeking treatment for painful sex requires trust, and the team at Santa Fe OBGYN understands the courage it takes to address this sensitive issue. Jacqueline Maestas, DPT brings specialized expertise as a licensed physical therapist who is certified in pelvic floor therapy, with extensive training in treating sexual pain disorders. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach creates a safe environment where women feel comfortable discussing intimate concerns without judgment.

At Santa Fe OBGYN, pelvic floor therapy is integrated within our comprehensive women’s health practice. This means Jacqueline Maestas, DPT works closely with board certified OBGYN Dr. Lynore Martinez, MD and our entire medical team to ensure coordinated care. If hormonal issues, infections, or other medical conditions contribute to painful sex, these can be addressed simultaneously by Dr. Martinez with physical therapy for optimal outcomes. This collaborative approach is far more effective than treating pelvic floor dysfunction in isolation.

Santa Fe OBGYN uses evidence-based treatment protocols supported by current research in pelvic health. Each treatment plan is customized to the individual woman’s symptoms, goals, and comfort level. Some women see significant improvement within four to six sessions, while others with more complex conditions may benefit from longer treatment courses. Throughout the process, Jacqueline Maestas, DPT provides education and support, helping women understand their bodies and feel empowered in their recovery.

Privacy and comfort are paramount during pelvic floor therapy sessions. Appointments are scheduled to allow ample time for thorough treatment without rushing, and the treatment environment is designed to feel calm and safe. Women are always in control of their care, and treatment progresses at a pace that feels appropriate. This thoughtful, individualized approach has helped countless women overcome painful sex and restore intimacy in their relationships.

Pelvic Floor Therapy for Painful Sex | Santa Fe

Painful sex is not something you have to accept as part of being a woman. Whether your discomfort began after childbirth, during menopause, or has been present for years, pelvic floor therapy at Santa Fe OBGYN can help you find relief and reclaim pleasurable intimacy. Jacqueline Maestas, DPT has helped numerous women overcome sexual pain through skilled, compassionate care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of this condition with pelvic floor therapy.

You deserve to experience intimacy without fear or discomfort. Schedule a pelvic floor therapy consultation with Jacqueline Maestas, DPT at Santa Fe OBGYN today and take the first step toward pain-free, satisfying sexual health.

Santa Fe Pelvic Floor Therapy: 505-988-4922