Unfortunately, experiencing pain during sex is a common issue for many people. As uncomfortable and embarrassing as it may be to talk about, it's important to understand what causes this problem and how sex therapy can help. Here's what you need to know about painful sex and the benefits of seeking out professional help through painful sex therapy.
What Is Painful Sex?
The proper medical terminology for painful sex is genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, or GPP/PD. It is an overarching term that refers to any pain you experience during or after sex. Typically, it includes an involuntary muscle contraction that prevents penetration.
What Causes Painful Sex?
Painful sex can have many causes, from physical to psychological issues. Some of the most common physical causes include:
- Vaginismus. Women can have involuntary muscle spasms in the vagina that prevent penetration and make sex painful.
- Endometriosis. This painful medical condition causes tissue that normally lines the uterus to grow outside of it, making sex difficult and painful.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is an infection in the reproductive organs.
Some people also require painful sex therapy for psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. Additionally, victims of childhood trauma and sexual abuse can experience pain during sex due to emotional trauma.
What Is Painful Sex Therapy?
Painful sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help patients identify and resolve their psychological and emotional issues related to pain during sexual intercourse. Through individual counseling, couples counseling, or group therapy sessions, therapists will work with patients to uncover underlying causes for their discomfort and help them find effective ways of coping.
What Are the Benefits of Pain With Sex Treatment?
There are many benefits to seeking out painful sex therapy, including:
- Opportunity for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism
- Explore any unresolved trauma in a supportive environment
- Gain insight into their behavior patterns so they can better understand why they experience pain during sex and how they can address these issues
- Develop healthy communication skills, which may lead to improved relationships both inside and outside of the bedroom
GPP/PD can be difficult for many people, but there is pain with sex treatment available that may help you find relief from your discomfort or distress. If you're experiencing any kind of pain during intimacy or think you might benefit from talking about your problem in a safe space, consider seeking out professional help from a therapist who specializes in painful sex therapy. With the right treatment plan in place, you can begin working towards resolving any underlying issues that may be causing you discomfort so you can enjoy satisfying physical intimacy again.
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