Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Q: What is the difference between vaginismus and dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia: Pain felt during intercourse. Vaginismus: Intercourse becomes impossible or very painful because of involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles.

Do you have difficulty during intercourse with your partner, or do you hesitate to even try? Treating painful intercourse does more than increase pleasure; it is also good for your mental health. Sexual dysfunction can lead to depression and anxiety. You may worry that physiotherapy will be uncomfortable. However, many patients have less pain and a noticeably better sex life after pelvic floor physiotherapy. By getting help, you can take a step toward a healthier and more enjoyable sex life.

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Tuğçe Atalay

Mind–Body Rehabilitation

Painful Sex Is Not Normal

Pain during or after intercourse is common, but it is not normal. It can have physical or psychological causes. With the right physiotherapy, relief is possible.

Discover the Causes

Overly tight pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, health conditions such as endometriosis, or psychological factors can cause pain during intercourse. Through a professional assessment, I identify the underlying causes and create a rehabilitation program tailored to you.

A Pain-Free, Comfortable Sex Life Is Possible

With physiotherapy and personalized pelvic floor relaxation exercises, it is possible to reduce pain and improve the quality of your sex life. Regain your comfort and confidence in intimacy.

Would you like information or an appointment?

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Common and Treatable

1 in 5 women experiences chronic painful intercourse, yet most are unaware that it is a treatable condition. Research shows that patients who see a physiotherapist for vaginal pain experience an improvement in their symptoms.

"I'm afraid to be intimate with my partner because I know it's going to hurt."

"Sex is no longer pleasure for me, just a source of anxiety."

"My whole body tenses up during sex."

Flynn KE, et al. Assessment of vulvar discomfort with sexual activity among women in the United States. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017.

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) FAQ

What is painful intercourse?

Painful intercourse is pain or discomfort felt in the vaginal, pelvic or genital area during or after sex. It can be caused by physical factors, emotional factors or a combination of both.

Is it normal to feel pain during sex?

No, feeling pain during sex is not normal. If you regularly experience pain, you should see a specialist to identify the underlying cause.

What causes painful intercourse?

Excessive tension in the pelvic floor muscles (hypertonicity)
Vaginal dryness
Hormonal changes (especially during menopause, after childbirth or while breastfeeding)
Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles)
Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
Scar tissue from a previous birth, surgery or trauma
Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, a history of trauma)

How do the pelvic floor muscles cause painful intercourse?

Excessive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (hypertonicity) can prevent the vagina and surrounding muscles from relaxing. This leads to a feeling of pressure and pain during sex.

Can painful intercourse be treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective way to relax the pelvic muscles, improve flexibility and build muscle awareness. Rehabilitation may include techniques such as exercises, manual therapy and biofeedback.

What is the difference between vaginismus and dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia: Pain felt during intercourse.
Vaginismus: Intercourse becomes impossible or very painful because of involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles.

Is painful intercourse normal after giving birth?

After birth, pain can occur due to hormonal changes, stitches and scars, or weakened or overly tight pelvic floor muscles. This can be managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Why does sex become painful after menopause?

After menopause, falling estrogen levels lead to vaginal dryness, loss of elasticity and thinning of the vaginal tissue. This can cause pain during sex. Hormone support and pelvic floor exercises can help.