Your sexual health is important, with many women frustrated by the inability to reach orgasm or experiencing pain with sex. It feels like an impossibly embarrassing subject to talk about with anyone! At N2 Physical Therapy, our approach and knowledge of pelvic health, and the level of experience and skill of our physical therapists, means that the brave decision to find a solution to potentially a lifetime of sexual pain and frustration, is a step well taken.
Sexual pleasure and orgasms can provide physical and emotional satisfaction (yes – we need them for our health ladies!), contributing to overall well-being and happiness. It’s a way for women to explore and express their sexuality, enhancing their sense of self and body confidence. Sexual intimacy can strengthen emotional bonds and connection with a partner. It can foster feelings of intimacy, trust, and closeness, promoting a healthy and satisfying relationship. For many women, the emotional and physical connection during sex can be a vital aspect of their overall relationship satisfaction.
There is a gender gap here! Research has consistently found that men are experiencing orgasms more frequently than women in heterosexual sexual encounters!
Let’s start with what happens in the body…
What are the components of an orgasm for women?
The components of an orgasm in women involve a combination of physiological and psychological factors. During sexual arousal, there is increased blood flow to the genital area, resulting in engorgement of the clitoris and vaginal walls. This leads to heightened sensitivity and pleasure.
As sexual stimulation continues, the clitoris becomes the primary focus of sensation. It contains thousands of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to touch and stimulation. The clitoral glans and shaft can experience rhythmic contractions during orgasm, accompanied by pleasurable sensations throughout the body.
In addition to clitoral stimulation, some women may also experience vaginal contractions during orgasm. These contractions occur in the pelvic floor muscles, including the pubococcygeus muscle, which surrounds the vagina and other pelvic organs. These contractions contribute to the pleasurable sensations and release associated with orgasm.
The role of the pelvic floor and pelvic heath
Maintaining good pelvic health is important for overall sexual well-being in women. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in sexual function, as well as bladder and bowel control. Weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can lead to difficulties with orgasm, decreased sexual satisfaction, and even urinary or fecal incontinence.
Other diagnoses include Overactive Pelvic Floor (OPF) where muscles don’t relax when they should, such as during urination or bowel movements. Conditions related to OPF are complex and can have multiple causes and symptoms.
People with suspected OPF often experience a combination of issues related to their gastrointestinal, gynecological, musculoskeletal, sexual, and urological health. These problems are often accompanied by emotional distress. Both men and women with OPF may have significant difficulties with sexual function, with genito-pelvic pain during intercourse being a common symptom.
In women, OPF can lead to reduced sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. They may have more difficulty reaching orgasm, engage in intercourse less frequently, hold negative attitudes towards sexuality, and experience higher levels of sexual distress compared to those without sexual pain.
Physical therapy and good sex
To promote pelvic health, women can engage in exercises that specifically target the pelvic floor muscles, commonly known as Kegel exercises. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles repeatedly. Regular practice can help strengthen these muscles and improve their function.
Healthy lifestyle for a healthy pelvic floor
In addition to exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for pelvic health. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, managing stress levels, and avoiding habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. It is also advised to maintain a healthy weight as obesity can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Time for some advice and support for your pelvic health?
If you’re experiencing any issues with your pelvic health or sexual function, it is important to seek medical advice. At N2 Physical Therapy we are here to help and provide solutions. We can provide guidance and recommend appropriate treatments or exercises tailored to individual needs.
Understanding the components of an orgasm and the importance of pelvic health is crucial for maintaining overall sexual well-being. By taking care of the pelvic floor muscles through exercises and adopting a healthy lifestyle, women can enhance their sexual experiences and improve intimate relationships.
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More reading about healthier orgasms and your pelvic floor health:
https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article-abstract/1/1/66/6862957
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11930-020-00237-9
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f318/d19dca10e29becde4aa4db6da78f32cbbe96.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/smr/article-abstract/9/1/64/6880278