Pain During Sex or Painful Intercourse?
Online Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Support (UK)
Pain during sex is common - but not normal. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help identify the cause and guide safe, effective treatment, including through confidential online consultations.
Pain during sex or painful intercourse is often linked to pelvic floor muscle tension, poor coordination, hormonal changes or nervous system sensitivity. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help reduce pain by addressing muscle function, breathing, movement patterns and contributing factors - and much of this can be safely done online without internal examination.
If this sounds familiar
You may experience:
- Pain with penetration or deep discomfort during sex
- Burning, stinging or sharp pain at the vaginal opening
- Pelvic or vaginal pain that lingers after sex
- Discomfort with tampons or internal exams
- Pain that began after birth, surgery or menopause
- Vaginal dryness with pain during intercourse
- Anxiety or anticipation of pain that worsens symptoms
Pain can come and go or be there all the time - either way, it’s worth getting assessed, and you don’t have to push through it alone.
Why sex can be painful
Pain during sex is rarely “all in your head”. Common contributors include:
- Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles
- Poor relaxation or coordination of the pelvic floor
- Scar tissue after childbirth or surgery
- Hormonal changes (especially during perimenopause and menopause)
- Vaginal dryness or tissue sensitivity
- Pain-protective patterns after a previous painful experience
- Breathing and core strategies that increase tension
Importantly, pain does not require weakness to be present - many people with pain have strong but overly tense muscles.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help painful sex?
Yes - pelvic floor physiotherapy is a key treatment for many forms of painful intercourse.
Physiotherapy focuses on:
- Reducing excessive pelvic floor tension
- Improving relaxation and coordination
- Normalising breathing and pressure patterns
- Addressing scar or sensitivity-related contributors
- Rebuilding confidence and safety around movement and intimacy
This approach is evidence-based and widely recommended for persistent pelvic pain.
Can this be treated online?
Often, yes.
Online pelvic floor physiotherapy is appropriate if:
- Pain is related to tension, coordination or fear-avoidance
- You want conservative, non-invasive care
- You prefer privacy and flexibility
- You are postpartum or menopausal and noticing new pain
- You want guidance before considering in-person treatment
Online sessions focus on education, movement, breathing, nervous system calming strategies and graded exposure — all without internal examination.
If your clinician feels an internal examination is clinically important, they will explain this clearly and guide you on next steps - your safety and wellbeing always come first.
What happens in an online consultation?
Your pelvic health physiotherapist will:
- Take a detailed pain, medical and lifestyle history
- Discuss onset, triggers and patterns of pain
- Assess breathing, posture and movement strategies
- Explain the likely drivers of your pain in clear terms
- Create a personalised plan, which may include:
- Pelvic floor relaxation strategies
- Breathing and nervous system regulation
- Gentle mobility and coordination work
- Guidance around intimacy, pacing and flare-ups
You’ll leave feeling clear, confident, and supported - knowing exactly what to focus on and why it matters.
When should you book an assessment?
Book an online consultation if:
- Pain is affecting intimacy or quality of life
- You’ve been told “everything looks fine” but pain persists
- Symptoms started after birth, surgery or menopause
- You feel unsure what is safe or helpful to try
- You want expert input without invasive assessment
Getting the right guidance early can help prevent pain from becoming more persistent - and support a smoother, more confident recovery.
When online care may not be appropriate
You should seek in-person or urgent care if you have:
- Severe or sudden pelvic pain
- Unexplained bleeding
- Signs of infection
- Pain associated with significant new symptoms
- Known gynaecological conditions requiring medical review
Your physiotherapist will advise appropriately.
Why Mothercore?
- Specialist pelvic health physiotherapists who truly understand what you’re going through
- UK-registered clinicians you can feel confident and safe with
- Evidence-based, personalised care - built around your body, your symptoms, and your life
- Clear, supportive explanations (no shame, no guesswork, no “just live with it”)
- Flexible online appointments that fit around work, pregnancy, and childcare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pain during sex normal after childbirth?
It is common, but not something you should ignore. Many postpartum pain symptoms respond well to pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Can vaginal dryness cause painful intercourse?
Yes. Dryness, particularly around menopause, can contribute to pain and sensitivity and is often managed alongside pelvic floor treatment.
Do I need an internal exam to treat pain?
Not always. Many aspects of pain management can be addressed without internal examination, especially initially.
Can anxiety or fear make pelvic pain worse?
Yes. Pain is influenced by the nervous system. Physiotherapy addresses both physical and protective pain responses.
Book your online pelvic floor consultation
Confidential, one-to-one support with a specialist physiotherapist.