Those who suffer from persistent difficulty with desire, sexual response, orgasming, or experience pain during intercourse may have sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles are intricately involved in sexual function, playing an important role for males and females. In men, pelvic muscles help maintain the rigidity of an erection, and in both sexes, the muscles retract repeatedly during orgasm. Usually, there is no pain involved before, during, or after sex and can be a source of pleasure for individuals, but that can quickly change with pelvic floor dysfunction.
When pelvic floor dysfunction arises sexual pleasure is often replaced with pain and loss of normal function. The symptoms are understandably distressing for people, but the good news is, pelvic floor physical therapy can help. Sexual Dysfunction in people with a penis. Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction. Menopausal Sexual Dysfunction and Post-gynecologic cancer treatment. Studies show that most medical professionals feel uncomfortable discussing sex with patients, and patients are also hesitant about speaking on the matter.
Studies also show the LGBQT community is frequently discriminated against, and their sexual health suffers as a result. As a medical community, we must do better. Many people do not realize sexual health has become a medical specialty itself, and help is available!
If you are encountering sexual dysfunction, you will benefit from an evaluation with a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine the role your pelvic floor may be playing in your symptoms. During the evaluation, your physical therapist reviews any prior history and symptoms with you, what you have been diagnosed with in the past, the treatments you have undergone, and how effective or not effective these treatments have been.
Importantly, we understand what you have been going through and that most people are frustrated by the time they get to see us. During the physical examination, the physical therapist examines muscles, tissues, joints, nerves, and movement patterns. Once the examination is complete your therapist reviews your findings with you.
