PAINFUL SEX

Dyspareunia is a broad medical term for painful penetrative sex. One of the conditions that can cause dyspareunia is vaginismus—the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the opening of the vagina, which can make sexual penetration (or even inserting a tampon) very painful, or even impossible. 

If your dyspareunia is caused by vaginismus or a physical or psychological issue related to tightness in the vaginal muscles, perineal massage may help relax muscles, reducing pain. Start with gentle massage around the superficial perineal muscles or just at the vaginal opening.

If deeper muscles are causing resistance and pain, we recommend booking an appointment with a registered pelvic physiotherapist to determine if deep massage would help manage your symptoms.