What about sex relieving pain?

[meResque]

Hi, all.

I was diagnosed back in October with IC. My symptom (yeah, only have the one so far) is pelvic pain. I've been seeing a physical therapist since November to help with this, and she's been amazing. Unless I'm on the first two days of my period, I'm generally able to function, albeit with less energy (damn muscle relaxers) and more pain than I had when I was "normal." I will occassionally have urgency, but generally no bladder pain, pain with urination, nocturia, or frequency. Lucky, I know. My pain is centered around my tailbone and my hips.

Here's my question... the vast majority of people I see here experience pain with sex, or at least discomfort. My husband and I have only recently tried to get back to a more normal sex life- hard to be in the mood when you're hurting all the time! The last two times we've tried I've noticed that I don't hurt more during or after intercourse- I hurt less. Today, I have felt almost like my old self. I haven't needed to sit on my heating pad at all. Why could this be? My physical therapist and urologist have both said that my pelvic floor feels very good, with only a few tight spots. My PT is actually shocked that sex doesn't hurt.

I don't really know what my question is here. Does anyone else experience this? Is this only because I'm so new to IC? Is this going to pass, and I'll soon be experiencing flares with sex? Sure hope not. Thanks.

[Cassaundra]

Everyone is diffrent. Could be teh PT for your PFD or the endorphins.

[RagnarsCricket]

I am sure it is different for each person. Not everyone experiences the same pain areas, types, etc. For me, if I am not in a serious state of pain where I am sitting there trying not to scream while rocking back and forth...then likely 90% of the time sex can make matters so much better. It is great because it can relax things enough where I can relax and go to sleep much easier. However, that other 10% of the time - it can make things worse...much, MUCH worse.

I am learning to be a better judge of those times. Also, my sweet husband is learning on how to help me feel better using sex as a pain reducing option. The relief from sex does not last long. When I wake up the next morning, it is back. If mid-day, then it is back within several hours but does not relieve things for the entire day.

Hope this helps.