Glossary
50 terms around the pelvic floor, painful sex, intimate care and connection, explained in plain language.
A
- Arousal
- The physical and mental response to sexual interest. In women it includes increased blood flow to the vulva and vagina, natural lubrication and lengthening of the vagina. Too little arousal before penetration is a common, easily fixed contributor to discomfort. Read more
B
- Biofeedback
- A training method that uses sensors to show pelvic floor muscle activity on a screen or app. It helps you see whether you are squeezing, holding or relaxing correctly, and is used both for strengthening and for learning to release tension. Read more
- Bladder diary
- A record kept over a few days of what you drink, when you pass urine, how much, and any leaks or urges. Doctors and pelvic floor therapists use it to understand bladder symptoms and plan treatment. Read more
C
- Cesarean birth
- Delivery of a baby through a surgical cut in the abdomen and uterus. It avoids the stretch of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor, but pregnancy itself still loads the muscles, so pelvic floor symptoms can occur afterwards. Read more
D
- Depth-limiting rings
- Soft, stackable rings worn around the base of a penis or toy to reduce how deep penetration goes. They are used by people who experience deep pain during sex, for example with endometriosis or after pelvic surgery. Read more
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Slow breathing into the belly and lower ribs rather than the upper chest. The diaphragm and pelvic floor move together, so this kind of breathing is often used to help a tense pelvic floor relax. Read more
- Diastasis recti
- A widening of the gap between the two vertical strips of abdominal muscle, common during and after pregnancy. It often narrows by itself in the weeks after birth, and gentle deep abdominal and pelvic floor exercises can help. Read more
- Dilator
- A smooth, rounded, usually graduated insert used to gently and gradually stretch the vaginal opening and reduce fear and pain with penetration. Dilator sets are used for vaginismus, after cancer treatment, and for some types of painful sex. Read more
- Dyspareunia
- The medical term for pain during or after sexual intercourse. It can be felt at the entrance or deep inside, and has many possible causes, from dryness and infection to pelvic floor tension, endometriosis and skin conditions. Read more
- Dyssynergia
- Poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, where they tighten when they should relax, for example while trying to open the bowels. It can cause straining, constipation and a feeling of incomplete emptying. Read more
E
- Endometriosis
- A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the pelvis. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain and deep pain during sex, and is often linked to pelvic floor tension. Read more
- Episiotomy
- A cut made in the perineum during childbirth to widen the vaginal opening. Like a tear, it heals over weeks, and the scar can sometimes cause tightness or pain during sex that responds to treatment. Read more
- Estrogen
- A hormone that keeps vaginal and vulvar tissue thick, elastic and moist. Levels fall during breastfeeding and around menopause, which can lead to dryness, thinning tissue and pain during sex. Read more
G
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- The current medical term for vaginal, vulvar and urinary changes caused by low estrogen after menopause, including dryness, burning, painful sex, urgency and repeated urinary infections. It replaces the older term vaginal atrophy. Read more
H
- Hyaluronic acid
- A substance naturally present in the body that holds water. In vaginal moisturizers and some lubricants it is used to attract and retain moisture, and is popular as a hormone-free option for dryness. Read more
- Hypertonic pelvic floor
- A pelvic floor whose muscles hold too much tension and cannot fully relax. It can cause pain during sex, pelvic aching, a slow urine stream and constipation, and usually needs relaxation work before any strengthening. Read more
- Hysterectomy
- Surgical removal of the uterus, sometimes together with the cervix, ovaries or fallopian tubes. Sex can usually resume after healing, though changes in sensation, depth or hormones may need attention. Read more
I
- Internal examination
- An assessment in which a clinician inserts a gloved finger into the vagina, or occasionally the rectum, to check muscle strength, tension, tenderness and healing. It is always optional and you can stop it at any time. Read more
K
- Kegel exercises
- Repeated, controlled squeezes and releases of the pelvic floor muscles, named after the gynecologist Arnold Kegel. They are a first-line treatment for stress leaking but are not always suitable when the pelvic floor is already tight. Read more
- Kegel trainer
- A device that supports pelvic floor exercise through resistance, feedback or both, such as vaginal weights or an app-connected pressure sensor. It is an optional aid to good technique, not a replacement for assessment. Read more
L
- Levator ani
- The main group of muscles forming the pelvic floor, made up of the pubococcygeus, puborectalis and iliococcygeus. It supports the pelvic organs and helps control the bladder and bowel. Read more
- Libido
- Sexual desire or interest in sex. It naturally varies over a lifetime and is influenced by hormones, stress, sleep, relationship factors, medication and pain. Low libido is only a problem if it bothers you. Read more
- Lichen sclerosus
- A long-term inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the vulva, causing itching, white patches, thinning skin and sometimes narrowing of the vaginal opening. Treatment from a doctor and good skin care can make sex comfortable again. Read more
- Lubricant
- A gel or liquid applied to reduce friction during sex or insertion. Lubricants are usually water-based, silicone-based or oil-based, and the right choice depends on comfort, sensitivity, condoms and the materials of any toys. Read more
M
- Manual therapy
- Hands-on treatment by a physical therapist, such as massage, stretching or trigger point release of muscles and connective tissue. In pelvic floor therapy it can be done externally or, with consent, internally. Read more
- Menopause
- The point when periods have stopped for twelve months, usually between 45 and 55. The drop in estrogen around this time can lead to vaginal dryness, thinner tissue and changes in sexual comfort and desire. Read more
O
- Osmolality
- A measure of how concentrated a lubricant is. Products with very high osmolality can draw water out of vaginal cells and irritate them, so lubricants closer to the body's own levels are often recommended. Read more
P
- Pelvic floor
- The layer of muscles and connective tissue that spans the base of the pelvis from the pubic bone to the tailbone. It supports the bladder, bowel and uterus, controls continence and contributes to sexual sensation. Read more
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- An umbrella term for pelvic floor muscles that are too weak, too tight or poorly coordinated. It can cause leaking, constipation, prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain and pain during sex, and usually responds to targeted treatment. Read more
- Pelvic floor physical therapist
- A physical therapist, called a pelvic health physiotherapist in some countries, with specialist training in the muscles and nerves of the pelvis. They assess and treat weakness, tension, pain and bladder or bowel problems. Read more
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- When the bladder, uterus or bowel drops from its normal position and bulges into the vagina because supporting tissues have weakened. Symptoms include heaviness or a dragging feeling, and pelvic floor training often helps milder cases. Read more
- Perineum
- The area of skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and the anus. It stretches during birth and may tear or be cut, and watching it move is a simple way to check pelvic floor exercise technique. Read more
- Pessary
- A removable device, usually made of silicone, that is fitted into the vagina by a clinician to support pelvic organs in cases of prolapse. It is a non-surgical option that many women use long term. Read more
- Postnatal check
- A routine health check offered around six to eight weeks after birth. It is a good moment to mention leaking, pelvic heaviness, pain during sex or low mood, and to ask about a pelvic floor referral. Read more
- Provoked vestibulodynia
- The most common form of vulvodynia, in which pain is triggered by touch or pressure at the vaginal entrance (the vestibule), for example during penetration, tampon use or tight clothing. Read more
R
- Reverse kegel
- A gentle exercise in which the pelvic floor is allowed to drop, widen and lengthen rather than squeeze. It trains conscious relaxation and is often part of treatment for a tight pelvic floor and painful sex. Read more
S
- Sensate focus
- A structured series of touching exercises for couples, developed by Masters and Johnson, that removes the pressure of performance and penetration. It helps partners rebuild comfort, trust and pleasure step by step. Read more
- Sexual wellness
- A broad view of sexual health that includes physical comfort, pleasure, emotional safety, communication and the freedom to make your own choices. It treats sex as a normal part of overall health. Read more
- Silicone-based lube
- A lubricant made from silicone that stays slippery much longer than water-based products and works well in water. It can damage some silicone toys and devices, so it is not always the right choice. Read more
- Slow sex
- An approach to intimacy that prioritizes unhurried touch, breathing and attention over reaching orgasm. It can reduce pressure and pain, and is often recommended when sex has become associated with discomfort. Read more
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Leaking urine when pressure in the abdomen rises, for example with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. It is common after childbirth and around menopause, and supervised pelvic floor training is the first-line treatment. Read more
U
- Urge incontinence
- Leaking urine after a sudden, strong need to go that is hard to put off. It is linked to an overactive bladder and is often treated with bladder retraining, lifestyle changes and pelvic floor work. Read more
V
- Vaginal atrophy
- An older term for thinning, drying and inflammation of vaginal tissue caused by low estrogen, most often after menopause. Moisturizers, lubricants and, where suitable, local hormone treatment from a doctor can help. Read more
- Vaginal dryness
- A lack of natural moisture in the vagina, which can cause itching, burning and pain during sex. Common causes include menopause, breastfeeding, some medications, stress and too little arousal. Read more
- Vaginal weights
- Small weighted cones or balls inserted into the vagina and held in place by the pelvic floor muscles to add resistance to training. Research shows a modest benefit for stress leaking, similar to exercises alone. Read more
- Vaginismus
- An involuntary tightening of the muscles around the vaginal opening when penetration is attempted or anticipated. It can make sex, tampons or exams painful or impossible, and is treatable with education, therapy and dilators. Read more
- Vestibule
- The area just inside the inner lips of the vulva that surrounds the openings of the vagina and urethra. It is rich in nerve endings and is the site of pain in provoked vestibulodynia. Read more
- Vulva
- The external female genitals, including the outer and inner lips, clitoris, vestibule and vaginal opening. The vagina is the internal canal, so vulvar and vaginal symptoms are often different problems. Read more
- Vulvodynia
- Persistent pain of the vulva lasting at least three months without a clear identifiable cause such as infection or skin disease. The pain may be constant or triggered by touch, and treatment usually combines several approaches. Read more
W
- Water-based lube
- A lubricant with water as its main ingredient. It is safe with condoms and most toys, easy to wash off and widely recommended, though it may need reapplying during longer sessions. Read more