By Carol Anne Austin, M.A., M.Ed.

What is Female Sexual Pain? Female sexual pain can be described as discomfort or pain experienced during or when attempting vaginal penetration or stimulation. That is, when penetrating or attempting to penetrate the vagina with a penis, finger, toy, tampon etc. These sensations can be due to various conditions such as vaginismus, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and vestibulitis. It is important to see a doctor when experiencing these types of sensations to have a thorough examination to obtain a proper diagnosis to ensure you receive the appropriate care. 

Female sexual pain leads many women experience:

• Lower experience of sexual pleasure
• Difficulty experiencing orgasm
• Low sexual desire
• Avoidance of sexual contact
• Unconsummated or ‘sexless’ marriages/relationships
• Relationship conflict/distress
• Intimacy inhibitions

What is Sex Therapy & Counselling and how can it help with Female Sexual Pain?

Sex Therapy is a form of talk therapy for individuals and couples who are struggling with various sexual difficulties, such as female sexual pain. Sex Therapy is provided by trained mental health professionals who are knowledgeable and comfortable discussing human sexuality. Sex Therapists can work in conjunction with medical professionals, such as gynecologists, physicians and pelvic floor physiotherapist to understand how thoughts and emotions may be contributing to the experienced sexual difficulty. Sex Therapists can help you explore the root of the issue and develop treatment plans that empower you to make sexuality a healthy and rewarding part of your life.

How can Sex Therapy help with Female Sexual Pain?

Sex Therapy can help you through your sexual concerns by:

• Exploring and understanding root causes of sexual pain
• Exploring and understanding your sexual values and their roots
• Discovering what turns you on to find your lost desire and start enjoying sex again
• Healing from past experiences of sexual abuse or trauma
• Improving sexual self-esteem
• Having more satisfying and loving sexual experiences
• Reducing negative thought patterns and negative self-talk (ex: sexual performance pressure)
• Improving conflict resolution in your relationship
• Deepening your ability to give and receive affection freely
• Recovering from affairs; rebuild trust and feel secure with each other again
• Getting your sexual and emotional needs met
• Providing sex education
• Learning about your body
• Improving sexual communication – feel more comfortable asking for what you want and need sexually
• Increasing sexual intimacy in your relationships

Many women experience female sexual pain. There are professionals that can help you to overcome these difficulties. Take action and get yourself the support you need to move towards change in your life!

By Individual & Couples Counsellor and Sex Educator, Carol Anne Austin, M.A., M.Ed. of Kimberly Moffit and Associates (KMA Therapy).

Carol Anne Austin, MA, M.Ed. is a Psychotherapist & Couples Counsellor with a specialization in sexual health at KMA Therapy in Toronto. She has experience providing counselling and education in matters of sexual and reproductive health in various community settings and media appearances. In her practice, she aims to form supportive and collaborative relationships by using a client-centered approach to therapy and expresses a genuine curiosity when exploring client’s experiences. Carol Anne believes that a sex positive point of view is of key importance when working with individuals & couples, to take the shame, blame, guilt and anxiety out of our sexuality and move towards empowerment, pleasure and pride!

Carol Anne Austin, MA, M.Ed., CCC

Psychotherapist & Couples Counsellor

KMA Therapy

120 Eglinton Avenue East, 

Suite 304, Toronto, Ontario

(416) 487-6288

carolanne@kmatherapy.com

www.kmatherapy.com

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