Painful Orgasm: Causes, Treatment Options, and the Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Orgasm is often described as the peak of sexual pleasure—but for many women, it can come with pain, discomfort, or even fear. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Painful orgasm, also called Dysorgasmia, affects thousands of women across all stages of life. This blog will help you understand what orgasm is, what causes orgasm-related pain, what treatments are available, and how pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a key role in helping you recover your comfort and confidence.
What Is an Orgasm?
A woman’s orgasm is a complex, pleasurable physiological and neurological response that occurs during sexual arousal and stimulation. It’s not always easy to define in the same way for every woman, as each person's experience can vary widely, but here’s a clear, clinical breakdown:
An orgasm is the peak of sexual pleasure, marked by rhythmic contractions of muscles in the pelvic area, including the uterus, vagina, anus, and pelvic floor. It also involves a surge in dopamine and oxytocin; chemicals that contribute to feelings of satisfaction, intimacy, and relaxation.
Types of Orgasms in Women
Women can experience different types of orgasms, sometimes alone or in combination:
Clitoral orgasms – usually felt externally
Vaginal or G-spot/ A-spot orgasms – deeper, internal sensation
Cervical orgasms – often more emotional and intense
Blended orgasms – a combination of external and internal stimulation
Orgasm is a complex experience, but it should not be painful.
What Is Painful Orgasm?
Dysorgasmia refers to any pain, pressure, burning, or cramping experienced during or after climax. The pain can last seconds, minutes, or even hours. It’s commonly felt in:
Lower abdomen or pelvis
Genital area (vulva or vaginal canal)
Rectum or tailbone
Lower back
What Causes Painful Orgasms?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Painful orgasms can be the result of muscular issues, inflammatory conditions, scarring, nerve problems, or even hormonal changes. Common causes include:
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
The pelvic floor muscles contract during orgasm. If these muscles are overactive (tight or uncoordinated), the result can be painful spasms or tension.
2. Clitoral Adhesions
Clitoral adhesions occur when the clitoral hood (prepuce) sticks to or partially fuses with the glans clitoris. This can restrict movement, reduce sensation, or cause pain with stimulation or orgasm.
They often develop due to:
Lack of hygiene or trauma (e.g. friction, tight clothing)
Chronic inflammation (e.g. lichen sclerosis)
Scarring from childbirth, surgery, or infection
Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause)
3. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It causes lesions outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and nerve irritation—especially painful during deep contractions like orgasm.
4. Uterine Fibroids
Noncancerous growths that distort the uterus can cause pain during or after climax, particularly if they are located near sensitive tissue.
5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Chronic inflammation from infections can cause long-term pelvic sensitivity and scarring that worsens with movement or orgasm.
6. Nerve Sensitization (e.g. Pudendal Neuralgia)
The pudendal nerve controls sensation in the genitals and pelvic floor. If irritated or compressed, orgasm may trigger shooting, burning, or throbbing pain.
7. Hormonal Changes (Menopause, Postpartum, Birth Control)
Low estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, thinner tissues, and increased sensitivity—all of which contribute to painful sexual experiences.
8. Scarring or Post-Surgical Changes
Past surgeries (C-sections, hysterectomy, endometriosis excision) or childbirth injuries may cause restricted movement or hypersensitive scar tissue.
9. Psychological or Emotional Factors
Anxiety, past trauma, and stress can lead to subconscious muscle guarding, chronic tension, and difficulty relaxing during intimacy.
How Common Are Pelvic and Sexual Pain Conditions?
Pelvic and sexual pain conditions are far more prevalent than many people realize. Here's what current data tells us:
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP): Affects approximately 15% of women worldwide, with some studies suggesting even higher rates among women of reproductive age.
Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Reported by 10% to 20% of women globally, though this is believed to be underreported.
Endometriosis: Impacts about 10% of women of reproductive age, frequently associated with chronic pelvic and sexual pain.
While there is currently no precise global statistic for painful orgasm (Dysorgasmia), it is commonly reported among women who experience the above conditions—particularly those with pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or nerve-related pelvic pain.
By understanding how many women are affected by chronic pelvic pain and sexual pain, it becomes easier to recognize that orgasm pain is not an isolated issue, but rather part of a broader spectrum of conditions that affect sexual health and pelvic function.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve one or more of the following:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Our clinic focuses on assessing and treating pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. We use:
Internal and external manual therapy
Tender point release
Scar tissue mobilization
Biofeedback and breathing techniques
Education and gentle movement therapies
These techniques help release overactive muscles, calm irritated nerves, and restore normal function.
Medical and Surgical Treatments
For conditions like Endometriosis, fibroids, or PID, your gynecologist may recommend:
Hormonal treatment
Laparoscopy or fibroid removal
Antibiotic therapy for infections
Nerve Pain Management
For pudendal neuralgia or nerve-related pain, treatment may involve:
Oral nerve pain medications
Nerve blocks or targeted injections
Physiotherapy to regulate nerve sensitivity
Psychological Support
For patients with trauma or tension patterns, therapy or counselling can be a critical part of healing, especially when combined with pelvic floor treatment.
You Deserve a Pain-Free Orgasm
At OVA, pelvic pain is not just something we treat, it’s a core part of what we specialize in.
With over 2,000 successful patient stories in resolving pelvic pain, our clinic has developed a focused and highly specialized approach to complex conditions such as painful orgasm, vaginismus, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and post-surgical pelvic pain. Because pelvic pain can have so many causes, from muscular dysfunction to nerve irritation or gynecological conditions, we’ve built a model of care designed to identify the root issue and guide patients toward long-term, sustainable recovery.
Our team is known for its depth of knowledge, precision in treatment, and commitment to compassionate care—making us a trusted choice in the Burnaby & Lower Mainland area for those seeking expert support for pelvic health.
Ready to Heal?
If you're ready to feel understood, supported, and empowered on your healing journey, we’re here for you. Book your season today to begin your recovery.
