If sex is painful, you have options
Summary
NPR’s Life Kit features pelvic floor physical therapist Janelle Frederick to address painful sex, or dyspareunia, emphasizing that it is a treatable medical condition, not normal. The episode offers advice on communicating with partners, identifying root causes like vaginismus or hormonal issues, and seeking professional help. Listeners learn about pelvic floor physical therapy and simple at-home exercises, such as child’s pose and diaphragmatic breathing, to relieve pain and improve intimacy.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Painful sex is not normal and requires attention
Takeaway 1: How to communicate pain to your partner
Discussing pain with new partners and defining dyspareunia
Sponsors and break
Takeaway 2: Medical causes and seeing a doctor
Sponsors and break
Takeaway 3: Pelvic floor physical therapy and treatment timeline
Takeaway 4: Home exercises and recap of key points
Credits and closing sponsors
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