Resource Guide: Pelvic pain for women
One of the most common and distressing sexual concerns, I see many women* who struggle with pain associated with sex, often specifically associated with penetration.
The needs vary and confusion, shame and worry are so common. Here are a few books that may help you in your journey:
When Sex Hurts: A Woman's Guide to Banishing Sexual Pain, by Goldstein, Pukall and Goldstein. This book can go a long way helping you understand the types of pain a person can experience and give you a way to understand and communicate about it.
When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection, by Gabor Mate. A different take on pain, and not just pelvic pain. Dr. Mate talks about trauma and the mind-body connection so compellingly, I didn't want to leave it out. May not apply to everyone's needs but for those of you it does, this is invaluable.
A Headache in the Pelvis: The Wise-Anderson Protocol for Healing Pelvic Pain, by D Wise and R Anderson. A great companion to pelvic floor physical therapy.
*Here, I am referencing women who natally have physiological structures like vaginas. Men and nonnatal women *of course* also have pain issues, though those needs are not the primary focus on this blog entry.