Female and Male Sexual Dysfunctions

Vaginismus:

Involuntary muscle spasms involving the superficial pelvic floor muscles that typically cause painful entry, limiting or preventing intercourse, tampon insertion or pelvic exams. Many women will also describe "a wall" that limits penetration, that may or may not be painful.

See http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/Pages/Introduction.aspx for more information.

Vulvodynia:

Vulvodynia means “vulvar pain” or pain of the external female genital region. Symptoms include burning, stinging, and irritation of the tissues in this region. Light touch or pressure can cause severe pain with sitting, walking, riding a bicycle, and sexual intercourse.

Vulvar Vestibulitis/Vestibulodynia:

Vulvar Vestibulitis/Vestibulodynia is a form of vulvodynia with tenderness specific to the vulvar vestibule. This occurs with pressure to the site causing pain at the vaginal opening with touch or attempted penetration. Tissues can be red or swollen at times.

Prostatitis:

Prostatitis includes acute or chronic bacterial or non-bacterial inflammation in the epididymis of the male genitalia. Signs and symptoms can include prostate or perineal pain, difficulty with urination, urinary retention and hesitancy, and decreased urine stream.

Treatments for Female and Male Sexual Dysfunctions:

Pelvic floor muscles are very important in the physiology of both male and female sexual response. Physical therapists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team when dealing with sexual dysfunctions. Arousal and orgasmic disorders, erectile dysfunctions, and ejaculatory dysfunctions and sexual pain are areas that pelvic floor physical therapy specialists can assist patients in restoring sexual health and pleasure.