166- When Intimacy Hurts // Understanding Pain with Intercourse (Dyspareunia) & Why It’s Not Just In Your Head

Is sex painful for you — and you’re tired of being told “it’s just stress,” “you need to relax,” or “it’s normal after kids”? You're not alone — and more importantly, you’re not broken. In this powerful kickoff to our February podcast series on intimacy, pain, and pleasure, Dr. Des dives deep into the real reasons women experience pain with sex and why it’s often misunderstood, dismissed, or misdiagnosed. We explore the physical, emotional, and nervous system roots of pain — from pelvic floor tension to past trauma — and what your body is actually trying to tell you when intimacy doesn't feel good. Whether you’re postpartum, navigating stress, dealing with prolapse, or just feeling disconnected from your body, this episode will help you feel seen and give you the first steps toward reclaiming safe, confident pleasure again. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Common symptoms and sensations of painful sex (and why you’re not imagining it) The pelvic floor’s surprising connection to stress and trauma Physical causes like overactivity, scar tissue, and dryness How mental load and nervous system dysregulation contribute to shutdown and pain Why “just doing kegels” or pushing through is NOT the answer A sneak peek at Dr. Des’ Pain to Pleasure Framework and what to expect in future episodesAccess for FREE inside the App (or web browser here): https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/    🌀 Ready to feel stronger, more confident, and in tune with your body? If you’re done guessing and googling… If you’re ready to stop modifying your workouts out of fear… If you’re ready to move, lift, run, and LIVE without leaking, pain, or pressure... Then it’s time for RESTORE — my 12-week signature pelvic floor & core rehab program Evidence-based. Nervous system-informed. Holistically healing. Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor education (with zero fluff) ✔️ Real-life tools to reduce pain, improve leaks, and feel like YOU again ✔️ Access to our private community and support Inside RESTORE, we cover: Breathwork + pelvic floor connection Mobility + posture Nervous system regulation Core control + strength building Real-life application to everyday movement And how to stop leaking, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling disconnected from your core You’ll walk away from RESTORE with clarity, confidence, and a body you trust again. JOIN RESTORE NOW FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO LESSONS AND EXERCISES!!   https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/checkout/86181d29-9811-4a33-80df-a82de21fa8fe Or  💎 Learn More About RESTORE below, my 12-week program that walks you step by step through pelvic floor and core healing — so you can stop leaking, reduce prolapse symptoms, and feel strong again.  https://balancedmomtality.com/restore  💖 Or Want Personalized 1:1 Coaching and Support? Book a virtual or in-person women’s health coaching/pelvic floor physical therapy session tailored to YOU. 📧 Email: PTDes@balancedmomtality.com ✨ Next Steps: 📲 Download the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App →  for guided breathwork, mobility, and strength progressions you can do at home. - Download PCM App iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pelvic-floor-core-more/id6740750561  - Download PCM App Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pqw8e051gua.pmh8skrtsapp&pcampaignid=web_share Or Access Inside the web Browser: https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/  🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Pelvic Floor, Core & More so you never miss an empowering episode about pelvic floor health, core strength, and whole-body healing.   👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a mom friend who needs to hear that healing is possible. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation about pelvic health, core strength, and whole-body healing. 🌿 Join the Momtality Community: 👯‍♀️ Free Facebook Group: B