Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting 8-16% of women at some point in their lives(1). People with vulvodynia experience pain, burning or discomfort in the vulval area, which can include the inner and outer labia (lips) of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, the opening of the urethra, and the pubic area. Vulvodynia is the most common cause of painful sex prior to pre-menopause(1) and has a profound impact on the quality of life of those impacted.

Every day, we speak with people who seek our support regarding painful sex. Often their stories include fear, confusion and a poor understanding of the vulva, clitoris and vagina. Many people hold unhelpful beliefs and perceptions of what is and isn’t normal.

Everything we do is programmed and recorded by the brain in unique patterns involving millions of brain and nerve cells, which function like a map. These maps start to develop from the moment we are born and explain some of the processes involved when we learn how to walk, run, or any new activity that becomes second nature.

As pelvic health physiotherapists treating people with sexual pain and supporting them to improve their sexual health, we are often asked what lubricants we use for examinations and what we recommend for personal use.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Each year, over 24,000 men are diagnosed, where most men are over the age of 50. Chances are, most people will know, or know someone who knows someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

When faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis, men are also confronted with a possibility of experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect of their treatment. Whether it be following prostate cancer surgery, radiotherapy or hormone treatment, this has a significant impact on the quality of life experienced after treatment.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in Australia. Receiving this diagnosis can be a difficult experience for men and their families. There is often emotional and psychological distress faced throughout the cancer journey.

In 2013 I gave birth to my first child who was delivered via forceps after a long labour. At the time I needed a blood transfusion and I was told I had sustained a 3rd degree tear. It was another 16 months before I was diagnosed with a bilateral levator avulsion and subsequent prolapses. As a first-time mother, I didn’t identify as having birth trauma. I didn’t even realise birth trauma was a thing.

Persistent Pelvic Pain Syndrome (PPPS) is a debilitating condition that has a huge negative impact on men’s physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing. It is more common than you think, with a study reporting 8% of Australian men identify as having pelvic pain. It is particularly distressing as many of the things men take for granted – sitting, walking, exercising, urinating, defaecating, sexual arousal and ejaculation - can cause crippling, agonising pain.

The inspiration for this piece is from one of our favourite books, “Come As You Are”, by Dr Emily Nagoski. Dr Nagoski has pulled together 10 years of research into women’s sexuality, and shares an essential exploration on how female arousal, desire, autonomy, pleasure and orgasm works, and provides tools for women to create and sustain a fulfilling sex life.