Pain With Intercourse Is More Common Than Many Realise

Pain during or after sexual activity can be distressing and isolating. Many people worry that something is wrong with their body, avoid intimacy because of fear of pain, or feel frustrated when they cannot find clear answers.

Painful sex can occur for many reasons, including pelvic floor muscle tension, endometriosis, vulvodynia, vaginismus, hormonal changes, previous injuries, childbirth, surgery, gender-affirming treatments, medical conditions or nervous system sensitisation.

While every person's experience is unique, physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors and provide practical strategies to support greater comfort, confidence and understanding.

At Boutique Pelvic Health, care is individualised, respectful and guided by your goals. Appointments are inclusive of people assigned female at birth (AFAB), women, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals seeking pelvic health support.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain During Intimacy

    Pain with penetration, pain during sexual activity, burning, stinging, sharp discomfort or ongoing sensitivity.

  • Pelvic Floor Tension

    Difficulty relaxing pelvic floor muscles, discomfort with tampons, menstrual cups, pelvic examinations, dilators or penetration.

  • Ongoing Pelvic Pain

    Pain after intimacy, vulval discomfort, pelvic aching or symptoms associated with endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction or persistent pelvic pain.
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How Physiotherapy May Help

Pain with sex is often influenced by a combination of physical, nervous system and psychosocial factors. Physiotherapy aims to identify and address factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation
• Education regarding pelvic pain and nervous system sensitisation
• Strategies to improve pelvic floor relaxation and coordination
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Graded exposure approaches where appropriate
• Movement and exercise guidance
• Scar tissue management where relevant
• Support for returning to comfortable intimacy at a pace that feels right for you

The goal is to help you feel safer in your body, reduce fear associated with symptoms and support participation in intimacy and daily life in a way that aligns with your values and goals.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Your initial consultation is 60 minutes and provides time to gain a detailed understanding of your symptoms, history and goals.

Your appointment may include:

• Discussion of your symptoms and concerns
• Review of medical history and investigations
• Assessment of posture, breathing and movement patterns
• Pelvic floor assessment where appropriate
• Development of an individualised treatment plan

An internal pelvic floor examination is often recommended because it can provide valuable information about muscle function and sensitivity. However, your consent is always required and alternative assessment options are available.

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Why Choose Boutique Pelvic Health

All appointments are provided personally by Zara Howard, APA Titled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

Unlike larger clinics where you may see different practitioners, every appointment at Boutique Pelvic Health is delivered by Zara.

Zara has over a decade of experience in pelvic health and holds a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Women's Health and Continence). Her background includes senior pelvic health roles within the public hospital system, collaboration with urogynaecologists and specialist medical teams, pelvic health research and advanced training in pelvic pain, bladder, bowel and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Her approach is warm, trauma-aware and evidence-based, with care tailored to your body, your experience and your goals.

Available Appointments

  • Bundall

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Boutique Building
    55 Bundall Road
    Bundall QLD 4217
    Australia

  • John Flynn / Tugun

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Located within Eden Women’s Health
    Suite 7E, Fred McKay House
    John Flynn Private Hospital

    42 Inland Drive
    Tugun QLD 4224
    Australia

  • Telehealth

    Online pelvic health physiotherapy consultations are available for people across Australia.
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FAQ's

Can physiotherapy help pain with sex?


Yes. Physiotherapy may help identify factors contributing to pain with sex, including pelvic floor muscle tension, nervous system sensitivity, movement patterns, scar tissue restrictions and other musculoskeletal factors.



What if I feel nervous about the appointment?

Many people feel anxious discussing intimate symptoms. Appointments are conducted in a respectful, supportive and confidential environment. You are encouraged to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and consent is central to every aspect of care.

Is this service inclusive of LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse people?


Yes. Boutique Pelvic Health aims to provide respectful, affirming and inclusive care for women, people assigned female at birth (AFAB), non-binary and gender-diverse individuals seeking pelvic health support. Care is tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, goals and lived experience rather than assumptions about gender, sexuality or relationships.

Is an internal examination required?

An internal pelvic floor examination is often recommended because it can provide valuable information about pelvic floor muscle function, tension, coordination and sensitivity. However, it is never mandatory.

Your consent is always required, and you are free to decline or postpone an internal examination at any stage. Alternative assessment approaches may include discussion of symptoms, movement assessment, breathing assessment, external examination and functional testing.

Our goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable and in control throughout the assessment process.

Can I claim private health?

Many private health funds provide rebates for physiotherapy services when you have extras cover that includes physiotherapy. The rebate amount varies depending on your individual health fund and level of cover.

HICAPS claiming is available for eligible health funds, allowing you to claim your rebate at the time of your appointment. If you are unsure of your coverage, we recommend contacting your private health insurer prior to your appointment to confirm your physiotherapy benefits.

Is telehealth available?

Yes. Telehealth pelvic health physiotherapy appointments are available Australia-wide.

Telehealth can be particularly helpful for people living outside the Gold Coast, those with mobility limitations, busy schedules, or individuals who would prefer to begin with education and self-management strategies before attending in person.

Depending on your symptoms, telehealth appointments may include education, exercise prescription, bladder and bowel management strategies, pain management approaches, movement assessment and guidance for home-based rehabilitation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book an appointment with Zara Howard and take the next step towards understanding your pelvic pain and feeling more confident in your body.

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