Sexual Health

Sexual Health services offered in Hayden, ID

It can feel overwhelming to talk about sex with a healthcare provider when you only see you your primary care doctor or gynecologist/urologist once a year for 15 minutes. How do you bring up the topic? What solutions will a doctor have?

The pelvic health specialists at Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy help to bridge that conversation gap by educating each patient on the anatomy of the pelvis and how sexual function can be impacted by changes in the body. Understanding how the body is supposed to work and the changes that happen leading to sexual dysfunction makes it easy to understand how pelvic PT can be helpful.

Sexual health also includes addressing menstrual cycles and the symptoms that are associated with PMS and fertility. Inland Pelvic Health is a specialty clinic that is skilled and successful at treating the symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Common sexual health issues that are treated at Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy include:

pain with intercourse
erectile dysfunction (achieving and maintaining an erection)
inability to orgasm
vaginal dryness/lubrication
vaginismus
pain after sex
infertility
horemone changes impacting pelvic health
persistent arousal disorder
menstrual cycle associated pain

Laura Steininger, DPT, CAPP-OB, Cert-DN, and the caring team at Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy in Hayden, Idaho provide a safe space to learn about sexual dysfunction and create solutions that will restore your sexual health. Call the Inland Pelvic Health & Therapy office or request a consultation online today.

Sexual Health Q & A

Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy treats both women's and men's sexual health.

WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH

There are many contributing factors to sexual health for women. It starts in adolescence with the development of a menstrual cycle (period). Menstrual cycles are notorious for causing PMS symptoms like cramping, bloating and changes in mood. It is not normal, however, when period cramps are debilitating to the point of causing women to miss out on school, work, and hobbies. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are diseases that impact sexual health throughout the lifetime if not treated or addressed with skilled pelvic physical therapy.

Pregnancy and postpartum changes can have an impact on sexual function. Pregnancy related changes in the body and the impact of hormone changes can alter pelvic tissue health leading to pain or changes in sexual function. Delivering a baby (vaginal or c-section) can cause scar tissue leading to pain with penetration and ability to climax. Training the pelvic muscles during pregnancy and postpartum will have benefits for bowel, bladder, and sexual function! It is beneifical in so many ways.

Menopause (perimenopase and postmenopause) causes changes to the connective tissue in the pelvis leading to sexual dysfunction. Learning how to improve muscle tone and coordination helps to improve sexual health.

Vaginismus is a disorder in which the pelvic muscles respond to vaginal penetration by spasming. This can create pain with penetration. Sometimes the muscle spasms cause limited or complete inability for penetration. This can be with intercourse, tampons, or pelvic exams. The most common treatment for vaginismus is to insert a dilator into the vagina and try to stretch the vagina. This is oftentimes unsuccessful and can feel frusterating and leave women feeling hopless. Pelvic Physical Therapy at Inland Pelvic Health successfully treats vaginismus without dilators. The focus in Pelvic PT is to change the pelvic muscle resting tone and response with non-painful techniques like breathing, myofasical release (cupping), thoracic and lumbar spine mobility, and changing the surrounding tissue tension and function before even attempting vaginal penetration. Instead of using dilators, we teach specific techniques using a pelvic wand which is tolerated much better.

MEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH

Erectile dysfunction in men can include a change or an inability to achieve an erection, maintain an erection, tolerate penetrative intercourse, and reach climax. Erectile function depends on a perfect balance of muscle tone and strength as well as an ability to contract and relax the muscles.

Changes in sexual function for men are often times associated with changes in the prostate. The size of the prostate and inflammation can impact the ability to have normal sexual function. Prostate interventions for cancer and BPH can impact sexual function as well.

Pelvic pain is another indication for changes in sexual function. If there is pain in the penis, testicles, or perineum (space between the tesicles and anus), it can impact the body's repsonse to sexual activity. If the pelvic muscles are guarded due to a pain response, it can limit sexual function. If the nerves are irritated or compressed, the body will prevent further stimulation to the nerves.

Treating sexual dysfunction involves assessing the muscles, nerves, pelvic girdle, and spine in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan to address pain, muscle tension, muscle strength, and sexual function.

How can I improve my sexual health?

Even in today’s world, many people still feel uncomfortable talking about their sexual health, even when they have problems. But if you feel like your sexual health falls short, it’s essential to speak with someone at Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy.

They understand the complex issues, respect your concerns, and can help you find solutions to whatever stands in the way of having the sex life you deserve.

While they’re experts in the physical aspects affecting your sexual health, they also offer a range of services. A few examples include:

Coaching women with pregnancy/postpartum sexual health changes
Relieving issues causing painful sex
Easing symptoms and conditions interfering with sex
Improving sexual function before or after pelvic surgery
Helping people understand and overcome intimacy challenges
Improving fertility
Restoring sexual function after cancer

The Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy team helps people overcome issues like pelvic pain, pain during sex, and erectile dysfunction, using specialized physical therapy techniques that strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles (depending on your needs).

Inland Pelvic Health is trauma aware and sensitive. We undstand this is a delicate topic and we will address the issues you have with sexual dysfunction in a professional manner.

Don’t hesitate to get the help you need to improve your sexual health. Call Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy or request a consultation online today.