Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)
Dyspareunia, painful intercourse, is a deeply personal and often misunderstood condition that can affect both physical and emotional well-being. It may feel like sharp pain, burning, or deep discomfort during or after vaginal penetration. For many, it leads to avoidance, frustration, and feelings of isolation. But here’s the truth: pain with sex is common, but it’s not something you have to live with.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we offer trauma-informed, one-on-one pelvic floor therapy for those experiencing painful intercourse. Whether your symptoms are new or ongoing, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening in your body—and gently guide you toward lasting relief.
Affected Area
Dyspareunia often involves the pelvic floor muscles, particularly those surrounding the vaginal opening that may be overactive, tense, or uncoordinated. It can also affect the deep pelvic musculature, hips, low back, and abdominal wall, especially if there's compensatory guarding. Scar tissue from childbirth, surgery, or endometriosis can also contribute.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include sharp or burning pain during penetration, aching or soreness afterward, deep internal pain with certain positions, pain with tampon use or pelvic exams, and muscle tightness or guarding. Many people also report emotional distress, fear, or anxiety related to intimacy.
Treatments
Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for dyspareunia. At Sparq PT, our goal is to reduce pain, improve pelvic muscle function, and help you reconnect with your body. Your care plan may include:
Internal and external manual therapy to release tight or guarded pelvic floor muscles
Scar tissue mobilization (if applicable) to improve tissue flexibility and comfort
Pelvic floor relaxation training using breathwork and body awareness techniques
Gentle progressive desensitization using dilators or other tools
Education and empowerment around intimacy, anatomy, and safe movement
You deserve to experience intimacy without pain, and healing is possible.