“My Muscles Are Strong. Why Can’t I Have an Orgasm?”

If you’re an active, strong woman, you might have thought this before. Maybe it’s come after a frustrating night where pleasure felt out of reach, or after another disappointing moment where pain took center stage. Let’s get real: you’re not alone. Many women—especially athletes—experience similar struggles. I hear these concerns often from the women I work with:

• “It hurts so bad at the beginning, and then finally, I try to relax, but I just can’t get in the moment.”

• “Only one position works because everything else is too painful for my hips.”

• “It constantly feels like something is hitting a wall.”

• “I bleed afterward.”

Whether it’s:
👎 Pain in the pelvis, stomach, or lower back
👎 A lack of lubrication
👎 Feeling like you’re “hitting a wall”
👎 Or just no desire to even try…

Here’s the deal: It’s NOT normal.

You don’t have to just deal with it. These challenges aren’t something you should shrug off or power through like a tough workout. I get it, it can get uncomfortable to talk about sometimes. But, sexual function is an essential part of human nature, and pleasure isn’t just a “want”—it’s a vital part of overall health for the female body.

What’s Going On?

Athletes are pros at pushing limits and powering through whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or in competition. But this mindset can lead to unintended consequences, especially when it comes to the pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor isn’t just a collection of strong muscles. It’s a dynamic system that needs flexibility and mobility to function properly. Think of it like a trampoline: it can’t just be taut and tight all the time; it also has to give and bounce back. When your pelvic floor is stuck in a state of high tension—as it often is for female athletes—it can interfere with sexual pleasure.

Why Does This Happen?

Athletes and Tension:

Athletic training often focuses on building strength, endurance, and stability. This is great for performance but can lead to holding chronic tension in the pelvic floor.

Athletes often:

• Store stress and tension in the pelvic area, especially in high-impact sports like running, jumping, or weightlifting.

• Over-recruit their core and glutes, leading to an imbalance in how the pelvic floor muscles move.

• Develop a habit of clenching their pelvic floor, even when at rest.

While these patterns might boost performance, they can cause problems in the bedroom. Pain, difficulty achieving orgasm, or lack of pleasure often stems from these underlying muscular imbalances.

What Can You Do About It?

Relax, Don’t Just Contract: Why Movement Matters

Strong muscles are amazing, but they’re not enough. For optimal pelvic floor function, these muscles need to:

• Contract when necessary.

• Relax fully at rest.

• Move dynamically with your body’s demands.

If your pelvic floor is stuck in overdrive, it’s like having a fist clenched all day—it’s not going to feel good.

Steps You Can Take to Restore Balance:

1. Start with Awareness

Many athletes don’t realize they’re holding tension in their pelvic floor. Try this: Lie down in a quiet space and take slow, deep breaths. Focus on releasing your belly and relaxing your hips. Can you feel your pelvic floor “let go” with each exhale? If not, it’s a sign your muscles may be too tense.

2. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques

Add stretches, yoga poses, or foam rolling into your routine to help release tight muscles around your hips, glutes, and lower back.

3. Work with a Pelvic Floor PT

A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide personalized guidance to address your specific needs. You don’t have to spend hours in an office. We offer virtual consultations and can guide you through exercises to:

• Improve pelvic floor mobility

• Alleviate pain

• Rebalance your muscles for better movement—and better pleasure.

Click this link and we can hop on a call for a free consultation! 

4. Redefine Core Workouts

Sometimes, the way you train your core can worsen pelvic floor tension. A PT can teach you techniques to activate your core without overloading your pelvic floor.

Let’s Make Pleasure a Priority

As both a pelvic floor physical therapist and an athlete myself, I deeply understand the demands of athletic life. I get what it takes to push your body to its limits and the mental and physical toll it can take. But I also know that dealing with pain or discomfort—especially when it comes to intimacy—shouldn’t be part of the deal.

Our coaches approach each client with understanding and a personalized plan. I know how important it is to have someone who truly gets it and can guide you with care and expertise. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Let’s start the conversation. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and together we can work toward restoring comfort, pleasure, and balance in your life. You deserve it.

Sexual function is just as important to your overall health as any other aspect of your training. If you’re experiencing pain, frustration, or lack of enjoyment, don’t ignore it. There are real solutions—and they don’t require you to overhaul your life or workout routine completely.

So, to all the strong, driven women out there: you deserve to feel empowered both in and out of the gym. Let’s make sure your strength includes the ability to move freely, relax fully, and experience all the pleasure your body is designed for. You’ve got this!

Additional Resources: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKtIF4HqGWQ&feature=youtu.be

https://thefemaleathletedpt.com/why-you-should-be-training-your-glutes-for-your-pelvic-floor/

https://thefemaleathletedpt.com/strategies-for-high-impact-sports-and-pelvic-floor-protection/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9PrvFwJFYK/?img_index=1

https://inquire.thefemaleathletedpt.com/5biggestmistakesguideform