Why does sex hurt and how can it…not?

Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, and Pursuing Pleasure

Painful sex is far more common than anyone talks about — and far more treatable than most people realize. In this important episode, I am joined by wellness influencer and podcast host Alyssa Harper and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sabrina Baxter to break down the causes of painful penetration, what "normal" discomfort looks like versus what warrants professional help, and the transformative role pelvic floor PT can play in reclaiming pleasure. Whether you experience pain yourself or have a partner who does, this episode is essential listening.

🎧 Listen to the full episode :

Today's Questions

• What is vulvar pain vs. vaginal pain?
• When is it worth seeking help, and what kind of help is available?
• What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
• What is a "normal" amount of pain during sex?
• How can your cycle impact painful penetration?
• How do you communicate with a partner about pain during sex?
• Is there a correlation between perfectionism and pelvic floor pain/tension?
• How do you speak up with a partner when experiencing discomfort?
• What is a sexologist and what does it look like to work with one?
• Can mismatched sexual desire/libido be an incompatibility, or can you work through it?
• How can you "warm up" when you don't have much time?
• What is it like to work with a pelvic floor PT?

Our Guests

Alyssa Harper
Wellness influencer and podcast host focused on women's health, intimacy, and empowerment.
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