PC Muscle Pain

Generally, PC muscle pain is the sign of an underlying condition. The main source of PC pain in women is a condition known as vaginismus. Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the PC muscle, making entrance to the vaginal cavity impossible. Primary vaginismus occurs when a woman has never been capable of vaginal penetration because of the clamping of the muscles; secondary vaginismus occurs when the woman has previously been capable of vaginal penetration, but for one reason or another is currently experiencing the spasm. There are many causes for secondary vaginismus, including yeast infections, STDs, injury, or trauma during a vaginal delivery, or some sort of psychological cause.

While the painful muscle spasm is a very real and physical occurrence, the cause is usually physiological or psychological, relying on the emotional and mental well-being of the woman more than searching for a physical cause (unless, of course, there is evidence of trauma or infection). Some psychological causes of vaginismus are childhood abuse, rigid religious beliefs, or upbringings, the woman’s personal view of sexual intercourse (specifically, penetration), or the fear of pain and blood loss associated with initial sexual encounters.

This reaction is similar to the body’s reflex of clamping the eyes shut upon anticipating a blow; there is nothing the person can do to stop their eyes from clamping shut, the action is simply a reflex. A woman with vaginismus has no control over her body’s reflex, her mind is anticipating some type of negative effect, and thus her brain is sending a signal to her PC muscles to clamp shut.

There are many myths out there surrounding vaginismus. Because they are myths, they are not true. One is that sex is supposed to hurt; this is far from the truth. The design of the human body and mind is one to find sex pleasurable, for reasons of happiness, satisfaction, and survival of the species. There are times where it can be uncomfortable, but painful intercourse is a sign that there is something wrong and seeking medical advice is necessary.

Another myth is that forcing the issue and the act will eventually cause the condition to disappear magically. In truth, forcing intercourse can do more damage to an already damaged situation, making the physical reaction and the psychological cause much, much worse. The feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and fear that surround a condition such as vaginismus are troubling enough; acting like nothing is wrong and doing nothing to address the underlying causes will help nothing and no one.

One more myth about vaginismus is that the woman’s partner is too big. This is simply untrue. The design of an adult woman’s body is such that it will accommodate a fully erect penis, so this need not be a concern; in cases of vaginismus, the penis unable to enter the vaginal cavity because the spasms are such that entry at all is impossible.

The best way to treat both types of vaginismus is to treat the underlying cause. If there is evidence or suspicion of injury or infection, consulting a doctor should be the first and immediate step. If there is no physical ailment present, then the addressing the underlying emotional or psychological ailment is necessary. It is important for the partner of a woman experiencing vaginismus to be kind and supportive; remember that the woman experiencing the pain is a victim of the condition as well. She is not making her muscles act in such a way, that it is an involuntary action.

Working with the partner to build areas of trust can help resolve vaginismus and improve the relationship at the same time. Working through the issues causing the reaction can be a time consuming and frustrating process for both partners. It is important to remember that the woman’s partner may have feelings of failure, mistrust, and confusion. Both partners need to understand that this condition involves intense emotions from both sides, and that each person’s feelings are valuable.

If it is too difficult to work through the issues at the heart of the problem alone, counseling or another form of therapy may be the answer. There are many professionals in the therapy field who care familiar with this condition and have many methods of working through the issues surrounding it. Couples therapy and marriage counseling are just the beginning. A therapist can show individuals and couples how to express themselves to their partners and let go of apprehension, mistrust, and anxiety in the bedroom.

Pubococcygeus muscle pain in men is commonly a condition known as pelvic pain syndrome, or prostatitis, which is a disease of the prostate gland. Prostatitis pain includes pain in the groin, abdomen, or lower back; painful urination, the urgent need to urinate and difficulty urinating, and painful ejaculations, among other similar symptoms. In men’s cases, other muscles of the pelvic floor create PC muscle pain, not the PC muscles directly.

Some forms of prostatitis relate precisely to bacterial infections directly, acute bacterial prostatitis, affecting the prostate. Symptoms similar to those found with other infections, such as chills, high fever, nausea, and vomiting are also common in these instances.

As with other bacterial infections, doctors normally prescribe courses of antibiotics to clear the infection, along with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to help with any fevers, body aches, or chills. Other forms doctors do not understand so easily and they are much more complicated to diagnose, manage, and treat.

One such instance is that of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, which has no symptoms at all and detection takes place usually during other routine tests, and only because of the inflammation of the prostate. Scientists and physicians are working on new treatments to manage symptoms of prostatitis, including effective forms of pain management and revolutionary new drugs to combat difficult symptoms. There is also ongoing research into the causes of these lesser-known prostatitis forms so that prevention and cures become readily useful and available.