Painful Intercourse Therapy in Denver
Healing and Reclaiming Comfort in Intimacy
What is Painful Intercourse?
Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) is an experience of pain during sex. Discomfort or pain during sex can be experienced in a number of ways. Some women experience pain or sensitivity during penetration, stimulation, arousal, or even with the thought of sex. GPPPD commonly presents as dyspareunia or vaginismus. Both dyspareunia and vaginismus can be caused by a variety of biological factors, including muscle spasms or dysfunction, nerve dysfunction, hormonal changes or imbalances, infections, childbirth, inflammation, or other medical issues. However, there are also many psychological factors that can impact or develop GPPPD, including sexual trauma, religious trauma, anxiety, and stress. Regardless of the root cause, GPPPD is incredibly complex and commonly results in a web of physical, psychological, and relational factors.
GPPPD can be incredibly painful in addition to causing significant personal and relational distress. Many women or vagina owners who have GPPPD may have difficulty experiencing orgasms, challenges with partnered or solo sex, and a decreased or absent sex drive. This experience can result in increased anxiety, body shame, relational conflicts, and less overall pleasure, connection, and satisfaction in their sexual and intimate relationships.
It is important to note that men or penis owners may also experience pain during intercourse, ejaculation, or arousal. This experience can be just as complex, painful, distressing, and difficult for these individuals.
What You Might Be Experiencing
Self-Shaming or Insecurity
Experiencing sexual dysfunction can substantially impact an individual’s self-confidence and esteem, creating feelings of being broken, not enough, or less than.
Embarrassment, Anxiety, or Fear
Pain during sex can feel embarrassing and create significant fear regarding future sexual encounters, leading to a distressing cycle of pain and anxiety.
Relational Conflicts & Distress
Difficulties with sexual intimacy can create difficult feelings in both partners, potentially leading to disconnection, misunderstandings, and conflict.
Sexual Dissatisfaction
Physical obstacles to arousal, stimulation, or penetration can create challenges in experiencing sexual desire and pleasure, resulting in less satisfying sex.
Our Approach to Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Understand and deconstruct the negative, unhelpful stories and beliefs driving your anxiety to allow for new, empowered solo or partnered sexual experiences.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Learn how our desire for secure closeness with a partner can affect physical intimacy, communication, and anxiety around sexual experiences.
Embodied Practices
Learn strategies to reduce stress, enhance body awareness and control, and improve your mind-body connection for peak sexual experiences and pleasure.
Sex-Positive Therapy
Build compassionate and realistic expectations around partnered sex and intimacy to allow for new, expanded experiences of pleasure, arousal, and sensation.
