Between Us: An Interactive Talk on Painful Sex
On May 30th, the Women’s Society hosted one of the final sessions of the 2024 Between Us Season.
We had the privilege of being joined by four expert physicians practicing at the Urogynecology Wellness Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women to discuss painful sex and possible health-related conditions: Dr. Annick Poirier, Dr. Lana Myroniuk, Dr. Erin Kelly, and Dr. May Sanaee.
Together, they hosted a special panel discussion featuring an interactive Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to submit anonymous questions beforehand. The panelists thoughtfully answered these questions, providing personalized insights and actionable advice. Here are a few highlights:
Q&A Session
Q: How effective is pelvic floor therapy in reducing painful sex?
A: This therapy is essential for recovery! And is greatly recommended by the physicians of the Lois Hole Hospital Urogynecology Wellness Clinic.
Q: After giving birth, is pain during sex common?
A: YES! It is extremely common. This pain can be due to hormone changes, healing scars, increased muscle tone/tension, and/or changes in sexual response.
Q: I have been sexually inactive for 15 years. Should I begin using a vaginal moisturizer prior to experiencing sexual intercourse once again?
A: There is very little downside to implementing a vaginal moisturizer, and finding a personal lubricant that works for you! Coconut oil is a great option for this, and you can always implement self-stimulation first as this could allow for more ease and comfort when you are joined by a partner.
Q: How can we access the Urogynecology Wellness Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women?
A: To access the amazing care at the Urogynecology Wellness Clinic, patients require a referral from their primary care provider!
As many as 75% of women will experience pain during sex at some point in their lives, yet this remains a taboo topic to discuss for many people. The lack of available knowledge and discussion has led to many myths, mysteries, and misconceptions around what you need to know to better manage your experience with sex.
May's Between Us session taught our session attendees about these common misconceptions and facts, and provided answers on some of their most pressing concerns that may not have information readily available. Together, a greater understanding of the causes and concerns around painful sex was shared, empowering all who attended with knowledge to help them in the own lives.
You can help spread the knowledge and help support women's health by donating to the Urogyne Wellness Group here!
Knowledge is power!
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Alberta Blue Cross for making this lecture possible.
Watch the Video