Why Sex is Painful (and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help) | Salt Lake City, Utah
Painful sex is more common than you would think, but that doesn’t make it normal. If you’re experiencing pain with insertion, penetration, burning, tightness, or discomfort during intimacy, your body is trying to tell you something. While many people are told to “just relax” or that it’s hormonal, there are often very real and treatable causes.
Pelvic floor physical therapy in Salt Lake City can help address the root of painful sex in a way that is both clinical and compassionate.
Pain during sex can show up in different ways, including:
Sharp or burning pain with penetration or insertion
Tightness or difficulty allowing entry
Deep pelvic aching or pressure
Pain with certain positions
Lingering discomfort after sex
For some, the pain is occasional. For others, it leads to avoiding intimacy altogether.
Why does sex hurt? (Common causes)
There isn’t just one reason for painful sex. Often, it’s a combination of factors:
1. Pelvic floor muscle tension
The pelvic floor muscles can become tight, overactive, or uncoordinated—making penetration or insertion painful or difficult.
2. Nervous system responses
If your body perceives threat (even subconsciously), it may create protective tension or guarding. This can be especially common with history of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, purity culture, or trauma.
3. Postpartum or hormonal changes
After birth or during hormonal shifts (including menopause), tissues can become more sensitive or less supported. This can lead to tender structures and dryness which can be really uncomfortable during sex.
4. Past experiences
The body can hold onto past pain, medical experiences, or emotional stress in ways that affect physical sensation. Any type of trauma, big or small, if not processed can linger in the body as pain. It’s a brilliant way for our body to communicate with us, but it can be really uncomfortable. Together we can address and process what experiences in the past may be causing some inhibition to your ability to enjoy sex or seek pleasure.
A note on diagnosis
You may have heard terms like:
dyspareunia
vulvodynia
While these labels can be helpful— what matters most is understanding what your body is experiencing and why.
How pelvic floor therapy helps
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the root of the issue—not just the symptoms.
In sessions, we may work on:
releasing pelvic floor muscle tension
improving coordination and awareness
reducing pain sensitivity
supporting your nervous system in feeling safe and regulated
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Care is tailored to your comfort level and experience.
A trauma-informed, somatic approach
For many people, painful sex isn’t just physical.
That’s why I integrate somatic therapy and trauma-informed care into my work in Salt Lake City. This means:
We move at your pace
Nothing is forced or rushed
Your body’s responses are respected—not overridden
I hold space for your deep emotions to be fully expressed
Healing happens when the body feels safe.
What improvement can look like
With the right support, many clients experience:
Reduced or eliminated pain
Increased comfort with intimacy
Greater ability to relax the pelvic floor
Improved sex life and connection to self
Increased confidence and self-compassion
A stronger sense of connection to their body
When to seek support
If sex is consistently painful, or if you’re avoiding intimacy because of discomfort, it’s worth getting support.
You don’t have to wait until it gets worse—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Pelvic floor therapy can help you understand what’s happening in your body and create real, lasting change.
If you’re looking for support with painful sex in Salt Lake City, you can learn more about my services or schedule a consultation to get started.
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