Can stress management help reduce dyspareunia?
Yes, stress management techniques can help reduce dyspareunia by decreasing muscle tension and pain sensitivity, as well as improving emotional wellbeing.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Chronic stress can worsen pelvic floor tension, increase pain perception, and make it harder to recover from dyspareunia. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, and cognitive behavioural therapy can break this cycle. Regular stress reduction improves not only pain but also sexual function and relationship satisfaction. NHS: Stress Management.
Clinical Context
Stress management is a core part of holistic care for women with persistent sexual pain, often combined with medical and physiotherapy treatments.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NICE and NHS encourage integrated psychological and stress management approaches in chronic pain and sexual health care. NHS: Stress Management.