FAQS

Pelvic Pain

Overcome pelvic pain with tailored care plans at Pelvic Prescription in Wilmington, NC.

Does the internal exam with a pelvic floor PT hurt?
Does the internal exam with a pelvic floor PT hurt?

We see patients with pelvic pain everyday. We can perform internal and external pelvic floor, nerve and tissue assessments to see what the root cause of your pain is. Our internal exams and treatments are with one goved single digit inserted internally– no uncomfy speculums ever! We never want your pain to go above 3-4/10 during any point in the session. You probably have had some painful exams in the past, but we are here to help and will constantly check-in with you throughout the exam and treatment. You may choose to defer the internal at any appointment or at any point during your appointment– that is 100% okay with us! Our treatments are educational and performed with your consent. We also teach our patients how to treat themselves with tools at home between appointments if you are comfortable with that! All treatment rooms are private and comfortable rooms.

What if I don’t want to do the internal exam?
What if I don’t want to do the internal exam?

No problem! You are in control of your treatment. We will do everything we can to teach you how to help yourself at home with tools and techniques and answer questions as they come up on your journey.

Why do I have pain with sex? Is something wrong with me?
Why do I have pain with sex? Is something wrong with me?

Pain with sex is usually caused by overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles become too tight, they can create a “wall-like” sensation at the entrance of the vaginal canal, making penetration difficult or even impossible. This tension can also make pelvic exams or using tampons uncomfortable.

But this doesn’t mean something is wrong with you! It simply means there are underlying factors causing your pelvic floor muscles to be overactive. Working with a pelvic floor PT can help uncover the root causes of your pain and provide the right treatment to help you feel better.

Will it hurt my progress if I have sex even though it is painful?
Will it hurt my progress if I have sex even though it is painful?

It depends, as every person is different. For some, attempting sex when it’s painful can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become even more tense, potentially worsening symptoms. If this sounds like you, it’s important to work with your pelvic PT to create a plan for changing your pelvic floor’s response before resuming sexual activity.

For others, sexual activity may actually help ease their symptoms. The key is to listen to your body and work closely with your pelvic PT to find the right approach for you.

Can you help me manage my endometriosis pain?
Can you help me manage my endometriosis pain?

Yes! While endometriosis is a complex condition that requires a full healthcare team, pelvic floor therapy can significantly help reduce the pain you’re experiencing. Endometriosis pain often stems from both the condition itself and the tension in the pelvic floor muscles. By addressing these muscles, pelvic PT can help alleviate some of your discomfort.

Pelvic PT can also improve post-op outcomes by providing both pre-op and post-op care. It’s all about creating a comprehensive approach to manage your pain.

Can you help me manage my IC pain?
Can you help me manage my IC pain?

Yes! Pelvic floor therapy has grade A evidence for effectiveness according to the IUA guidelines, even more so than some medications like Elmiron. While managing Interstitial Cystitis (IC) often requires a multidisciplinary approach, pelvic PT plays a key role by addressing the musculoskeletal dysfunctions that can worsen your pain.

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