"Far too many people, especially people with vaginas, push through sexual discomfort without speaking up, assuming that pain during intercourse is normal or not wanting to make a fuss. I share my story in hopes that you, too, will feel empowered to treat yourself gently and prioritize your own comfort and pleasure in all your sexual encounters. If your pelvic floor is acting up, seek support—and surround yourself with those who will applaud you for doing so. There is another way."
In the latest at Scarleteen, Janet Newandyke describes her personal journey with vaginismus (painful muscle spasms in the vagina as a response to pressure or contact) and how pelvic floor therapy changed her relationship to painful sex. She not only opens up about her own experiences with pain during sex but also talks about some of the specifics of accessing care through pelvic floor therapy, the magic of dilators, and some breathing techniques that led to relief.
[Image description: Aqua and red text in all-caps: "My physical therapist told me that pelvic floor issues can be a blessing in disguise: they can encourage you to get to know your body in a way that most people never take the time to do. Far too many people push through sexual discomfort without speaking up, assuming that pain is normal or because they think speaking up is making a fuss." Beside text is a pelvic region anatomy model with sharp red triangles surrounding it. Behind these is an aqua background watermarked with Scarleteen's "S" logo.]
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u/ScarleteenOrg Official Account 12d ago
In the latest at Scarleteen, Janet Newandyke describes her personal journey with vaginismus (painful muscle spasms in the vagina as a response to pressure or contact) and how pelvic floor therapy changed her relationship to painful sex. She not only opens up about her own experiences with pain during sex but also talks about some of the specifics of accessing care through pelvic floor therapy, the magic of dilators, and some breathing techniques that led to relief.
Read Janet Newandyke's piece: The Power of Pelvic Floor Therapy
[Image description: Aqua and red text in all-caps: "My physical therapist told me that pelvic floor issues can be a blessing in disguise: they can encourage you to get to know your body in a way that most people never take the time to do. Far too many people push through sexual discomfort without speaking up, assuming that pain is normal or because they think speaking up is making a fuss." Beside text is a pelvic region anatomy model with sharp red triangles surrounding it. Behind these is an aqua background watermarked with Scarleteen's "S" logo.]