Sex After Baby; Ouch!

So, you tried having sex again after you got the green light at your 6-week-postpartum check-up and it was a far cry from enjoyable? Orgasm? What’s that?

Pregnancy and labor place intense pressure and strain on the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints of the pelvis and pelvic floor. This can cause tearing of the soft-tissues and displacement of the joints leading to pain and dysfunction in the postpartum body. Perineal tears during labor will heal through natural processes, but scar tissue will form just like any other tear in the body. Scar tissue, although it looks slight on the skin, can grow like a cobweb underneath the surface, adhere down to other structures, and cause tightness and pulling in abnormal ways. This tightness and pulling can lead to pain with penetrative intercourse that was not experienced pre-labor.

How can pelvic floor PT help?

At Verity Physical Therapy & Wellness, we are skilled in assessing the entire body for the source of dysfunction leading to pain. When a woman is postpartum and is no longer able to have pleasurable, penetrative intercourse due to pain, we understand that her body has been through intense changes over the past year and there may be multiple factors to address. Through a thorough history, general movement screen, and internal assessment, we will be able to educate and advise on the proper course of action to improve your mobility and strength in order to return to pleasurable intercourse and other desirable activities.

Through internal release from the therapist, self-internal release, a home exercise program geared at stretching and strengthening, and education on the pelvic floor in general, you can return to enjoyable, penetrative intercourse!

Contact Verity Physical Therapy & Wellness today to schedule an appointment!