If painful intercourse has been straining your relationship and you haven’t found a solution, don’t give up yet. Neeraj Kohli, MD, MBA of Boston Urogyn in Wellesley, Massachusetts is an expert in pelvic pain and advanced therapies for women’s reproductive health conditions. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or painful intercourse, call Boston Urogyn or schedule an appointment online to learn more about your treatment options today.

Pelvic Pain/ Painful Intercourse Q & A

What is pelvic pain?

When pain occurs in your pelvis -- the lowest part of your abdomen -- it’s usually the result of digestive, urinary, musculoskeletal, or reproductive issues. However, pelvic pain can come in several forms and feel different for every woman. For example, it can feel:

Constant or intermittent
Sharp or dull
Radiate to the buttocks, thighs, or lower back
Mild, moderate, or severe

You may find you only experience pelvic pain during urination or sexual intercourse.

What causes pelvic pain?

Several factors can cause pelvic pain and painful intercourse. In women, these symptoms are often the result of pelvic floor disorders and the reproductive system. Health conditions that may lead to pelvic pain include:

Endometriosis
Menstrual cramps
Adenomyosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Vulvodynia
Ovarian cysts or cancer
Uterine fibroids

To accurately diagnose the cause of your pelvic pain, Dr. Kohli evaluates your symptoms and performs a full medical exam, including a pelvic exam, laboratory tests, and your family history. He might also use advanced imaging tests, ultrasound, or laparoscopic surgery to find the underlying cause of your pelvic pain.

What are the treatment options for pelvic pain?

Dr. Kohli specializes in minimally invasive treatments for treating pelvic pain and reproductive conditions. If you’re suffering from pelvic pain, he might recommend one of several options:

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers or hormone treatments can treat certain cases of pelvic pain. If an infection is causing your discomfort, Dr. Kohli is likely to prescribe antibiotics. Other types of pelvic pain respond positively to antidepressants, even if you’re not clinically depressed.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy, such as exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor, can reduce your pain. Biofeedback and pelvic floor stimulation can also help manage pelvic pain.

Botox® injections

For pelvic pain or painful intercourse caused by pelvic floor muscle spasms, Dr. Kohli might recommend Botox injections to paralyze these muscles temporarily. During this treatment, Dr. Kohli injects a small amount of Botox into the pelvic floor.

Additional treatments are available depending on the cause of your pelvic pain.