Written by Laura Justin, Physiotherapist in Australia

Sexual wellbeing is an important aspect of quality of life for many women.

As the pelvic floor muscles support the vagina and pelvic organs, evidence has found that increased strength and healthy tone of pelvic floor muscles is associated with improved sexual function.

If the pelvic floor muscles have lower tone, or decreased strength, there can be a sense of decreased pleasure and contraction, and lower rates of orgasm. However, if the pelvic floor muscles are “overactive” or too high tone, there may be pain or difficulty with vaginal insertion.

A healthy pelvic floor is one that is able to relax appropriately to allow entry into the vaginal canal, as well as contract strongly to increase pleasure and orgasm.

Research has found that having a strong and functional pelvic floor can increase not only the frequency but also the quality of orgasm.

The clitoris is the primary source of sexual pleasure. It has two deep branches that surround the vagina. When the pelvic floor is strong and agile, it can perform well-timed contractions to stimulate the clitoris during penetration. This encourages the clitoris to become enlarged and firm (also known as the clitoris’s erection), which in turn helps to increase its stimulation further.

During orgasm, your pelvic floor muscles contract involuntarily and rhythmically. The healthier your pelvic floor, the more intense your orgasms. The ability and strength to control pelvic floor contractions around the penis during sex can also increase sensation and pleasure for male partners!

Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction - such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, birth-related trauma or sexual pain report lower levels of self-esteem and sexual wellbeing.

By seeking advice from a pelvic health Physiotherapist or specialist, women can improve their pelvic floor function through exercises and advice specific for their concerns. This can lead to overall improved sexual function and increased quality of life!

Remember, a healthy functioning pelvic floor is able to relax fully as well as contract strongly. For enjoyable and pain-free sex; strength, proper motor control, and the timing of the contraction are important, but so is full relaxation and release.

After vaginal deliveries of babies, or after menopause, the tension or “tightness” a woman perceives in her vagina may change, this may be normal! An assessment from a pelvic floor Physiotherapist can determine if there is weakness or injury to the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor muscle training or ‘Kegel’ exercises can help recover muscle tone, which can reduce the “loose” feeling in the vagina that some women may experience, improving their self-confidence and sexual pleasure.

It is important to note, however, that it isn’t so important to be “tight”. Vaginas can expand and contract more than you think, and are not stretched by intercourse or even childbirth in a lot of cases. Some vaginas are wider, some are smaller. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have a strong or weak pelvic floor. Will your vagina change? Perhaps, and that’s ok! There are many therapeutic exercises and techniques to recover from childbirth to regain your confidence and pleasure, including the use of pelvic floor trainers!