Physical Therapy for Painful Intercourse.

[Nvr2Late]

I wanted to thank you Leah for sharing about this. I had no idea such a therapy existed. I can see where possibly this is something that may benefit me in the near future.

[reillyj]

Leah i know this is an old thread but what about vaginal atrophy where the tissues are literally paper thin because of hormones?

I am there and am with you--i am terrified now of having zero sex with my husband, i mean, not even clitoral stimulation. And UTI for the first time in decades. I can see where PT would help internally, although i don't see how it could help actual THINNING tissues but how could it help thinning vulva tissues?

I did HRT and it just about killed me. Natural Progesterone/BHRT didn't work for me either (and my testosterone levels are great) so now i'm trying time tested herbals (supplements) and also natural vulva creams and Carlson's vitamin E but wow, i just feel this is SO UNFAIR. H and i have battled through ED, not having sex but maybe 4x a year FOR YEARS due to health issues, me and my perimenopause and O difficulties and we've crossed so many mental and emotional hurdles and could potentially have the best sex of our lives and here i am, in misery just because of 10 minutes of LM'ing last night, i know it's from tissue problems and not pelvic floor dysfunction...idk what to do...

[seeking perspective]

Leah i know this is an old thread but what about vaginal atrophy where the tissues are literally paper thin because of hormones?

I wrote a blog post about dealing with vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to hormonal changes. Dealing with Vulvovaginal Atrophy without Hormones. Take a look at the section on the vaginal renewal program. It is something that can be done on your own (or with your husband's help).

Increased moisture and blood flow to the vulva can help some with thinning tissue. When you apply creams, take your time applying them. The stimulation of rubbing cream on the vulva can help increase blood flow to the area--and that can help the tissue begin to rebuild.

[Leah]

A professional consultation might be helpful. I have a couple of complications but still had a really good outcome.

[Job29Man]

What kind of doctor do you call who would be competent to do this, or prescribe this?

[seeking perspective]

What kind of doctor do you call who would be competent to do this, or prescribe this?

A gynecologist, a uro-gynecologist, or a specialist who is a member of the National Vulvodynia Association would work. My own specialist is a certified nurse midwife who has done extensive research and training in menopause issues. She and her partner both refer patients to pelvic physical therapy quite often.

My initial appointment was quite different from any other gynecological exam I've had in the past. (If your wife is curious, she can read the post linked to at the bottom of the post I shared earlier with the word "embarrassing" in the title. Men really don't want to read that one.) Although my issues don't involve pain, my specialist did check my nerves. When I return for a follow-up next year, if there hasn't been significant improvement in reaching my goals, we will be looking at pelvic physical therapy.