Pain with sex
When sex, tampons or exams hurt
Care for pain with sex, with tampons or with pelvic exams, for adults of any gender.
Pain with sex is common, and it is not in your head. Muscles that guard, sensitive skin, hormone changes, scars and fear of pain can all play a part. Wilhelmina starts by listening, never by examining, and you decide each step.
This care is for you if
Sex hurts at the start, in the middle or afterward
A tampon or a pelvic exam hurts or is not possible
You or your partner avoid sex because of pain
You were given a name for it and want to know what physical therapy offers
What a visit looks like
Who treats you
Wilhelmina Griffin, a licensed physical therapist, at every visit.
What happens
You talk first, fully clothed, as long as you like. Nothing is examined at the first visit unless you ask for it.
How long
A first visit lasts about an hour, and the pace is yours.
What Wilhelmina does
Listens without hurry
What hurts, when, and what you want to be able to do.
Explains the muscles and nerves
What may be going on, and what is known and not known.
Breath, relaxing and stretching
Work you do on your own, at your own speed.
Hands-on or internal work, only if you want it
Each step explained first, and a yes needed for each one. You can stop any time.
Talks about partners and pacing
As much as you want to, and no more.
Before you book
What decides how many visits
How many visits you need depends on what is behind the pain, how long you have had it, how your body responds and what you want to get back to. Wilhelmina goes over the plan with you at each visit.
Who treats you
Wilhelmina Griffin is a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin. You see her at every visit.
About WilhelminaHow it is paid for
Most PPO plans and Medicare are billed, and you can pay yourself with a written estimate first.
How fees workWhen to see a doctor first
Bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, fever, or pain that comes on suddenly and severely needs a doctor now.
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache or pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a fall with a head injury needs emergency care now. Call 911.
Questions about this care
Do I have to be examined internally?
No. Many people are helped without it. If it would be useful, Wilhelmina explains why, and you decide.
Can my partner come with me?
Yes, if you want them to. Some people come alone first and bring a partner later.
Will we talk about sex?
Only as much as you want to. She asks what she needs to plan your care, and nothing else.
Ready to ask?
Send a message or book a time. You can tell us the name and pronouns you would like us to use.