Understanding Sexual Pain Disorders: How Therapy Can Help

Sexual pain is more common than many people realize, and it can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. As a sex therapist providing virtual care throughout Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Colorado, I work with clients to help them understand, manage, and overcome sexual pain disorders. Addressing these issues not only improves sexual health but also strengthens intimacy, self-confidence, and overall well-being.

Common Types of Sexual Pain Disorders

1. Dyspareunia
   Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurrent genital pain associated with sexual activity. It can affect both men and women and may have physical, psychological, or combined causes.

   • Diagnosis: I gather a detailed sexual, medical, and relational history and may collaborate with medical providers to rule out infections, hormonal changes, or structural issues.

   • Treatment: Therapy focuses on relaxation techniques, gradual desensitization, body awareness exercises, and addressing anxiety or trauma that may amplify pain. Therapy can also focus on working with your partner around various topics including consent, pleasure, and communication around sex.

2. Vaginismus
   Vaginismus involves involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles, making penetration painful or impossible. It can stem from anxiety, trauma, pelvic floor issues, or learned fear of pain (or a combination of all of these factors).

   • Diagnosis: Through conversation and guided assessment, I help clients identify triggers, past experiences, and physical tension patterns.

   • Treatment: Treatment includes pelvic floor therapy exercises, relaxation techniques, gradual desensitization with dilators, and cognitive work to reduce fear and anxiety.

3. Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
   PGAD causes spontaneous, persistent, and often distressing genital arousal unrelated to sexual desire. This condition can be confusing and anxiety-provoking.

   • Diagnosis: A thorough evaluation helps differentiate PGAD from other sexual or medical conditions and identify triggers.

   • Treatment: Therapy focuses on symptom management, stress reduction, mindfulness techniques, and addressing the emotional distress associated with the disorder.

4. Sexual Pain Related to Chronic Illness or Injury
   Conditions like endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or pelvic injuries can contribute to sexual pain. These issues often require a combination of medical and therapeutic support.

   • Diagnosis: Collaboration with healthcare providers is key to understanding the physical contributors to pain.

   • Treatment: Therapy focuses on pain management strategies, pacing, adaptive sexual techniques, and communication skills to maintain intimacy despite physical limitations.

How Virtual Therapy Supports Healing

Virtual therapy allows clients across multiple states to access specialized care from the comfort of their own space. In sessions, I combine somatic awareness, cognitive and emotional processing, and practical exercises tailored to each individual’s needs. Together, we address both the physical and psychological components of sexual pain, fostering long-term relief and enhanced sexual satisfaction.

If you are experiencing sexual pain, know that support is available. Healing is possible through personalized, compassionate, and evidence-informed therapy.