Can painful sex be treated?
Painful sex can happen because of physical structural issues, illness or psychological reasons. The medical term for painful sex is called dyspareunia. Other pelvic health conditions including vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, and vaginismus can also contribute to painful sex.
Symptoms of painful sex
Pain with penetration, including inserting a tampon or menstrual disc/cup
Deep pain during thrusting.
Burning pain or aching pain
Throbbing pain lasting hours after sex
Sexual pain can be felt superficially on the outside of the body or deep pain internally. There are many potential causes of painful sex, so it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to better understand your unique symptoms.
People who experience painful sex tend to experience decreased sexual interest and may avoid having sexual relations entirely. While painful sex affects 3-18% of people worldwide, many people are silent because of the perceived stigma associated. With the right treatment and care providers, people can experience relief from painful sex.
Possible Causes of Painful Sex
Anxiety
chemotherapy + Radiation
Depression
History of sexual abuse
Illness or injury
inadequate lubrication or hormonal deficiences
Infection, inflammation or skin disorders
pelvic floor dysfunction
physical trauma from childbirth
Relationship issues
Scar Tissue from Past Surgeries
Stress
What can help with painful sex?
Sex therapy can be helpful in addressing the psychological and relational components of painful sex. During sex therapy, you can learn mindfulness-based strategies for engaging with bodily sensations, self-soothing and relaxation skills, accept your thoughts and feelings, and identify pleasurable ways to connect with your partner.
Since people with genito-pelvic pain tend to develop fear surrounding sexual experiences, your sex therapist may also talk with you about ways to redefine your own sexuality and work on building a sense of sexual safety and pleasure. Learning to adapt or avoid certain sexual activities that provoke pain may be part of the healing process for you (and your partner if they are involved). Lastly, a sex therapist can help you heal from hurt, silence and misdiagnosis that many people with pelvic pain experience.
Therapy for Painful Sex in Chicago: Compassionate Treatment and Support
If you are experiencing painful sex in Chicago, you are not alone, and help is available. Embrace Sexual Wellness offers sex therapy in Chicago that is designed to address the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of painful sex. Whether your pain is caused by physical conditions like vulvodynia, vaginismus, or dyspareunia, or by emotional factors like anxiety, trauma, or relationship stress, our experienced therapists are here to support your healing.
Many individuals searching for help for pain with intercourse therapist near me are taking a vital first step toward reclaiming their sexual well-being. In our therapy sessions, we provide a safe space to explore your experiences and offer personalized strategies for healing, individually or with your partner.
Couples Counseling for Painful Sex in Chicago
Painful sex can strain relationships, creating emotional distance and intimacy issues. Our couples counseling in Chicago focuses on addressing the relational dynamics that contribute to painful sex. Through couples therapy, we help partners communicate openly about the challenges they face, creating an environment where both individuals can understand each other’s needs and work together toward healing.
Couples often benefit from learning how to redefine their sexual relationship, establishing new boundaries and expectations that promote intimacy and comfort. If one or both partners are experiencing pain during sex, our couples counseling provides strategies for rebuilding trust, intimacy, and connection, enabling a path to better communication and physical closeness.
Serving Chicago with Expert Sex Therapy and Pelvic Pain Treatment
Embrace Sexual Wellness is proud to serve the Chicago community by offering specialized sex therapy and counseling for those dealing with painful sex and pelvic pain conditions. We understand the specific challenges faced by individuals and couples in Chicago, and our therapy services are customized to address both physical and emotional issues related to sexual pain.
Our therapists offer a safe, supportive space for people experiencing painful sex. Whether the pain is related to medical conditions, past trauma, or relationship issues, we provide tailored therapy sessions to help you navigate the healing journey.
Ready to find a sex therapist for pain during sex? Contact Embrace Sexual Wellness to schedule a consultation and start addressing the root causes of painful sex today.
How do I begin sex therapy?
You may feel embarrassed about seeking therapy to address pelvic pain concerns, however, beginning therapy is an investment in your own health and wellbeing. Whether you are starting therapy alone or with a partner, reaching out for support can help you learn skills to help you find relief and experience pleasure again.
If you are ready to begin sex therapy, the team at Embrace Sexual Wellness can help. For more information on how Embrace Sexual Wellness can help with painful sex, feel free to request a free 10-minute phone consultation. A clinician will be able to answer any questions and help you get started.
FAQs - Sex Therapy for Painful Sex
What kinds of pain during sex are common, and what might be causing them?
Pain can happen on the surface (external) or deeper inside. Causes may include pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal issues, scar tissue, illness or injury, inadequate lubrication, infections, or past sexual trauma. Figuring out what’s triggering your pain is key for finding relief.
How can therapy help with painful sex when physical issues are involved?
Therapy helps by combining psychological, relational, and medical perspectives. A sex therapist can teach relaxation and mindfulness for bodily sensations, help you work with medical providers, and build safety around intimacy. Gradual exposure to comfortable touch and communication with your partner often helps.
What role does my emotional state or past trauma play in painful sex?
Emotions like anxiety, shame, or fear sometimes rooted in past abuse or trauma can make pain worse. Stress or depression can heighten physical sensitivity. Addressing these emotional pieces in therapy often reduces pain and improves comfort.
What should I expect in sex therapy sessions for painful sex?
Sessions are usually safe, supportive, and paced according to what you feel comfortable with. You’ll explore what triggers pain, learn tools like relaxation, communication, and possibly adapt sexual activities. Therapy may also include your partner if intimacy or relational issues are part of the picture.
How long does recovery from painful sex typically take?
It depends on several things: the cause of pain (medical, structural, emotional), severity, how soon you get help, and the level of personalized support. Some people begin to feel improvements within weeks or months; others with more complex situations may need more time. The process often includes ups and downs.
How do I find the right therapist for pain during sex?
Look for someone who is trauma-informed, experienced in sexual or pelvic pain conditions (like dyspareunia, vulvodynia, vaginismus), and comfortable working with both physical and emotional dimensions. Trust, safety, listening skills, and a therapist who respects your pace and boundaries matter a lot.
