You are not alone if you have ever felt pain prior to, during, or following sexual activity. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that up to 3 out of 4 women will endure painful sex at some point in their lives (ACOG, 2018).

This uncomfortable sexual experience, known as dyspareunia, is a transient illness for some women. Others may experience it over time, which can have an adverse effect on their quality of life, relationships, and sexual health.

style="text-align: left;">Luckily, there are numerous home treatment alternatives available for women, and dyspareunia does not have to be a permanent problem.

Why Does Dyspareunia Occur?

As previously discussed, dyspareunia is the term used to describe discomfort in the pelvic or vaginal region that is experienced during or after sexual activity. When anything penetrates the vagina, even a tampon or a pelvic exam with a speculum, some women experience pain.

Read more on; Apophyllite Stone -18 Amazing Health Benefits

The following are some typical causes of dyspareunia:

Birth trauma, pelvic surgery, episiotomy, or radiation-related vaginal injury

Menopause, medicines, childbirth, breastfeeding, or low arousal-related vaginal dryness

Yeast or urinary tract infections on the skin or in the vagina

Pelvic illnesses such endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic floor muscles that are tense or inflamed

The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs and enclose the vaginal wall in a sling-like structure in the lower pelvis. These muscles, like other muscles, can tighten up and form painful knots known as trigger points.

In addition to having physical causes like trauma or poor posture, mental problems like stress, a negative self-image, a fear of intimacy, or even sexual assault can result in tightness in the pelvic floor. These elements may result in unintentional pelvic floor tension and clenching, which can make sex difficult and uncomfortable.

Treatments at Home for Dyspareunia

The majority of the time, dyspareunia can be managed at home with regular at-home care. Also, a pelvic floor physical therapist can assist you in beginning to use some of these methods. Frequently, a mix of the techniques listed below yields the best outcomes.

1. Lubricants

Estrogen-rich creams or water-soluble lubricants may be able to relieve the pain that comes with dyspareunia. Lubricants made of water can help lessen the friction brought on by penetration. As a result, less discomfort is often experienced during a sexual interaction.

2. Vaginal dilators

Vaginal dilators, which are specialized devices available in a range of sizes, are best used under the supervision of a pelvic physical therapist in order to progressively stretch and release the pelvic floor muscles in cases of pelvic floor tightness.

Dilators are a gentle approach to teach the brain and the pelvic floor muscles to relax upon insertion. They are frequently constructed of silicone for comfort. It is recommended to use a dilator in conjunction with deep breathing to help the pelvic floor muscles relax and open up.

When using the dilator, it can also be beneficial to visualize the pelvic floor opening up like a flower.

3. Wands for releasing vaginal trigger points

In addition to during sex, trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles can also hurt while you’re not moving. A carefully crafted trigger point release wand, such as Intimate Rose’s exclusively created Pelvic Wand, can be used either vaginally or rectally to address these difficult-to-reach muscles in order to loosen these tight knots.

Trigger points, which are regions of the pelvic floor that are very painful, can be found by moving the wand around the area. These areas can be gently pressed for 1-2 minutes to release the trigger point. Daily practice should be made of this.

4. Breathing drills

The anatomy of the abdominal wall makes it possible for our breathing patterns to have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor can be gradually mobilized and stretched by breathing comfortably while doing so, preferably while lying down in a quiet area.

The muscles receive a modest stretch as a result of the pelvic floor’s tiny downward movement with each inhalation. The pelvic floor returns to its resting posture with each exhalation. Placing your hand along the perineum will help you feel the modest lowering of the pelvic floor during inhalation and provide your brain more feedback.

5. Exercises for Pelvic Release

Exercises that open up the hip, many of which are popular yoga positions, can gently stretch the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can teach you to deliberately release the pelvic floor muscles and retrain your body to release unconsciously held tension when used in conjunction with relaxed breathing.

Sex can once again be pain-free and joyful with the correct tools and regular practice.

RELATED: MANAGING NOCTURIA