Pain with Sex - Understanding and Solutions

12/26/23 • 33 min

Guest: Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, Pelvic Health Specialist

Episode Overview:
This episode delves into the often taboo subject of pain during sex, exploring its causes, effects on relationships, and potential solutions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue holistically, considering both physical and emotional aspects.

Key Points:

Scope of the Problem: Discussion on how pain with sex is a widespread issue affecting various age groups, often shrouded in silence and embarrassment.
Causes and Misconceptions: The episode addresses common causes like hormonal changes, perimenopause, menopause, and physical conditions like pelvic floor disorders.
Holistic Approach: Emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including physical therapy, emotional support, and sometimes involvement of sex therapists.
Impact on Relationships: The conversation highlights how sexual pain affects both individuals and couples, underlining the importance of communication and understanding within relationships.
Practical Solutions: Offers insights into practical steps and treatments, including relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and appropriate use of lubricants.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: The episode aims to empower listeners by normalizing conversations about sexual health and encouraging seeking professional help.

Call to Action: Encourages listeners to seek appropriate help and engage in open discussions about sexual health for better understanding and solutions.

Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with an uplifting message about the possibility of overcoming sexual pain and improving quality of life through informed choices and professional guidance.

Guest: Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, Pelvic Health Specialist

Key Points:

Scope of the Problem: Discussion on how pain with sex is a widespread issue affecting various age groups, often shrouded in silence and embarrassment.
Causes and Misconceptions: The episode addresses common causes like hormonal changes, perimenopause, menopause, and physical conditions like pelvic floor disorders.
Holistic Approach: Emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including physical therapy, emotional support, and sometimes involvement of sex therapists.
Impact on Relationships: The conversation highlights how sexual pain affects both individuals and couples, underlining the importance of communication and understanding within relationships.
Practical Solutions: Offers insights into practical steps and treatments, including relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and appropriate use of lubricants.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: The episode aims to empower listeners by normalizing conversations about sexual health and encouraging seeking professional help.

Call to Action: Encourages listeners to seek appropriate help and engage in open discussions about sexual health for better understanding and solutions.

Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with an uplifting message about the possibility of overcoming sexual pain and improving quality of life through informed choices and professional guidance.

Previous Episode

Pelvic Health and Beyond

Guest: Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, Physical Therapist with 39 years of experience in pelvic health

Key Topics:

Understanding Incontinence: Lauren and Ingrid discuss various types of incontinence, emphasizing its prevalence and the need to normalize discussions around it.
Myths and Misunderstandings: They debunk common myths about incontinence, stressing that it's not a normal part of aging or post-pregnancy life and can be treated effectively.
Whole Body Approach: The conversation highlights the importance of considering the entire body in pelvic health, including posture and movement patterns.
Exercises and Behavioral Changes: Ingrid suggests practical daily changes and exercises for improving pelvic health.
Impact of Childbirth: The discussion covers how childbirth, especially cesarean sections, affects pelvic health and the need for prompt post-delivery pelvic PT.
Emotional and Physical Wellness: They touch on the emotional aspects of pelvic health and its connection to overall wellness.
Workshop Announcement: Lauren and Ingrid announce an upcoming workshop focusing on pelvic health, movement strategies, and a holistic approach to wellness.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to join the workshop for comprehensive learning and to become advocates for pelvic health awareness.

Conclusion: The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and taking proactive steps towards pelvic health, breaking the stigma and silence around the topic.