When Painful Intercourse Has More Than One Cause
In this discussion, Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein explains how painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is evaluated and treated at ESSE Care, and why identifying the root cause is essential.
Pain with intercourse is often multifactorial, involving physical, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and emotional components. Using a comprehensive, individualized approach to dyspareunia treatment is key to effective care.
What You Will Learn
- How a detailed history helps identify causes of painful intercourse
- Why pelvic exams include pelvic floor muscle and fascial assessment
- The role of targeted imaging, such as pelvic ultrasound, in select cases
- How pelvic floor dysfunction contributes to dyspareunia and pelvic pain
- Why pelvic floor physical therapy is often a first-line treatment
- The value of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to pelvic pain treatment
The Takeaway
Painful intercourse is not something you have to accept as normal. With a thorough evaluation and a team-based approach—including pelvic floor therapy, medical care, and integrative support—it is possible to better understand the cause and move toward meaningful relief from dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
