Is painful sex normal? What a pelvic floor therapist actually sees w/ Dr. Sara Reardon

Painful sex is far more common than most women realize, yet it’s still something many suffer through in silence. Whether it shows up during certain phases of your cycle, after childbirth, or during perimenopause and menopause, pain is never something you should simply accept as part of being a woman.In this episode of Ask Lively, Nathalia sits down with Dr. Sara Reardon, board certified pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and founder of The V-Hive, to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health. Together, they unpack the real reasons sex can become painful, how hormones and pelvic floor health are connected, and why so many women struggle to find answers.You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, what pelvic floor therapy actually involves, and the practical steps you can take to support your body, improve intimacy, and feel more comfortable in your own skin.In this episode, we cover:• The most common causes of painful sex• How pelvic floor dysfunction can impact intimacy and everyday life• The role hormones play throughout your cycle, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause• What to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy• Simple ways to support pelvic floor health at homeIf you've ever wondered whether painful sex is normal, this conversation is for you. Because while pain may be common, it should never be ignored, and there are solutions that can help.Resources & Links• Try the Lively App for free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634• Follow Lively on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycle• Learn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/• Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whispererTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thevagwhisperer• Explore The V-Hive:https://thevhive.com• Dr. Sara Reardon's book: FLOORED: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and StageEnjoyed this episode? Follow Ask Lively, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Every woman deserves access to honest, evidence based conversations about her body and health.