What is Genito-Pelvic Pain / Penetration Disorder (GPPPD)?
Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder impacts the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina. This can present in various ways.
This may involve:
- Having trouble with vaginal penetration or pelvic pain during penetration
- Pain and difficulty with inserting tampons, pap smears and pelvic examinations
- Fear or anxiety about pain in anticipation of, during or after vaginal penetration
- Tensing or tightening of pelvic floor muscles during or attempted penetration/examination
Causes of GPPPD
Some of the causes of GPPPD include:
- Vaginal dryness secondary to hormonal changes e.g. breastfeeding or menopause
- Skin conditions contributing to increased sensitivity to the genital area
- Thrush or urinary tract infections
- Lack of lubrication
- Endometriosis
- Interstitial cystitis
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Fibroids
- A history of sexual trauma
- Radiation therapy
Is there any treatment for GPPPD and what are the options?
Pelvic health physiotherapists who have undergone extra training in GPPPD have various treatment techniques to help with symptoms and treating the contributing factors of GPPPD.
A qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will help to identify the cause of the pain and provide tailored treatment to suit your needs.
Some treatment options include:
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers
- Education regarding vulval hygiene
- Pelvic floor down training
- Dilator therapy
- Referral to sex therapist and/or psychologist
- Liaising with GP for pharmacological management if appropriate
If you would like to make an appointment for GPPPD or have your symptoms assessed for diagnosis, make an appointment with our highly trained and specialized pelvic health physiotherapists.
