Let’s talk about sex!
On this episode, we bring on Tammy Roehling, Pam Kays, Ariana Jones, and Anya Vierra who all treat and educate in pelvic health physical therapy.
Tammy starts with common pelvic dysfunctions seen in clinic that may affect patients during sex – pelvic pain, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. The women discuss how these are seen in most if not all patient populations as well as portraying society’s view about sex.
Treatment techniques mentioned include while keeping in mind patient comfort and consent:
* Education & communication* Internal & external massage* Therawand* Biofeedback* Vaginal dilators* Diaphragmatic breathing* Desensitization* 3 phase progression for mind-body connection
Fun Facts:
* Water based lube or coconut oil is best for lubrication* On average, it takes over 10 years from onset to diagnosis of pelvic pain conditions* Since onset of COVID, there was an increase in dyspareunia present in clinic which the group agreed was due to stress* Audio record sessions if it involves treatment performed internally
As a physical therapist, it is important to understand how the patient defines sex and what their goals are because it may be different from our own beliefs about sex. Even when pain-free sex is achieved, it is essential to continue thinking of function with sex – orgasm with pleasure.
Ariana is holding a webinar about returning to sexual activity after delivering a baby on Tuesday August 27th, 2020. Register here.
PARTING SHOT
“Always have a curiosity. Always have compassion. Ask all the questions” – ANYA
“Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” – PAM
“A lot of people have dysfunctional pelvic floors especially after having a baby… Women need to get in and get their pelvic floor healthy.” – TAMMY
“All the women out there, look at your vulvas so you can pick it out of a line up.” – ARIANA
