Painful sex or pelvic pain during sexual activity can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience for both men and women. This condition can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sex avoidance and problems in the relationship. It can also have negative effects over quality of life and reaching goals like consummating a marriage or starting a family. 

Genitopelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder

Genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder in women includes pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or other sexual activity that involves penetration and involuntary contraction of muscles around the opening of the vagina (levator ani syndrome, or vaginismus), making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. This disorder also includes anxiety about attempts at penetration and difficulty having sexual intercourse. Many women with genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder also have difficulty becoming aroused, and/or difficulty reaching orgasm and an inability to conceive.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

GSM refers to changes in the vagina and urinary tract that occur after menopause. The decline in estrogen brought about by aging causes the tissues of the vagina to become thin, dry, and inelastic, and lubrication for intercourse becomes insufficient. These changes can make intercourse painful. 

Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MCPPS)

Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MCPPS), previously known as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is a condition with long-term pelvic pain without evidence of a bacterial infection. Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a male health issue commonly seen in adulthood and affects 2-6% of men. The causes of CP/MCPPS remain largely unknown. MCPPS usually affects young men (mean age 43 years) and presents with perineal and genital pain that can be unrelenting. Pain in individuals with MCPPS can range from mild to debilitating, it can be dull or sharp, at the same time or intermittent. Symptoms related to CPPS include:

• Pelvic floor pain/ perineal pain without evidence of urinary tract infection, lasting more than 3 months is the key symptom of CPPS.
• Abdominal pain

• Frequent urination

• Genital pain

• Lower back pain

• Pain during or after sex
• Post-ejaculatory pain

• Pain while sitting
• Erectile difficulty
• Sexual dysfunction
• Unexplained fatigue

Female Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (FCPPS)

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that affects an estimated 15 to 20 percent of women, ages 18 to 50. Chronic pelvic pain can cause distress and disrupt work, physical activity, sexual relations, sleep and/or family life. It can also affect a woman’s mental and physical health. 

It is highly recommended that women who experience CCPS visit their OB-GYN to get a thorough examination. There are several possible root causes of painful sex or pelvic pain, including physical conditions such as infections or endometriosis, psychological factors such as anxiety or relationship issues, and a history of trauma or abuse. Regardless of the underlying cause, painful sex can have a negative impact on a person’s sexual function and overall quality of life and the effects of the condition can be significant, affecting the quality and frequency of sex and the intimacy between partners.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a condition that involves experiencing unwanted sensations of arousal in the genitals that don’t resolve with one or more orgasms. Left untreated, PGAD can take a toll on an individual’s body and mental health and reduce quality of life.  Individuals who suffer from PGAD experience unpredictable and uncontrollable physical sensations associated with sexual arousal but with absence of desire. Sexual arousal is usually associated with pleasure; however, this isn’t the case with PGAD sufferers. PGAD may lead to feelings of frustration and embarrassment and may even be debilitating. Although it is believed that PGAD affects more women or people assigned female at birth, the condition can also affect men or people assigned male at birth. 

Some of the symptoms of PGAD include:

• Pain or discomfort in the genitals
• Tingling in the penis or clitoris
• Vaginal contractions
• Vaginal lubrication
• Unpredictable orgasms
• Persistent urge to ejaculate and unpleasant ejaculations

PGAD can inhibit the ability of an individual to lead a normal life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about PGAD that may limit access to care. We offer a safe and supportive environment to address PGAD and help individuals find relief.

At Texas Sexual Health we develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs and concerns. These may include physical therapy, biofeedback, talk therapy, techniques for reducing anxiety and stress, improving communication with partners, and exploring new sexual techniques and intimacy building activities to strengthen your self-confidence and intimacy between partners. Our personalized treatment plans address the underlying triggers of Painful Sex and Pelvic Pain to improve quality of life. Also, because living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and upsetting, we provide a safe and supportive environment to address the emotional and relationship effects of Painful Sex and Pelvic Pain. Don’t live in pain; call us today so we can help you reclaim your life!