Have you ever gritted your teeth through sex, told yourself to just “push through,” or wondered if pain during intimacy was simply your new normal?

Sex should never hurt—unless that’s your thing and everyone’s consenting. But for far too many women, painful intercourse has become a silent, shame-filled struggle. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 women report experiencing pain with sex, yet most are told to “have a glass of wine,” “relax,” or accept it as part of motherhood, menopause, or aging.

In this episode, Allison breaks down why pain with sex is common but absolutely not normal—and what you can do about it. From pelvic floor dysfunction and scar tissue to hormonal shifts, trauma, and the mind-body connection, Allison shares both her professional expertise as a pelvic floor therapist and her own story of healing after childbirth.

You’ll walk away with clarity, validation, and practical tools to begin reclaiming your pleasure. Because you are not broken, you are not alone, and pain-free intimacy is possible.

Tune in to hear:

• The real reasons sex may hurt (and why “just push through” is dangerous advice)
• How pelvic floor tension, scar tissue, and hormonal changes can impact sexual health
• Why your body “keeps score” and how trauma or stress can show up during intimacy
• The role of vaginal dryness (and why lube is magic, not shameful)
• Practical steps: breathwork, scar tissue mobilization, and when to see a pelvic floor or sex therapist
• Why communication, boundaries, and saying “no” are essential to healing
• Reframing intimacy beyond penetration—and why only 17–18% of women orgasm from penetration alone

Resources & Connect:

• Discover Your Pleasure Type Quiz: https://allisongermundson.com/discover-your-pleasure-type/
• Subscribe & Watch the episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onestrongwomantherapy
• Follow Allison on Instagram: @onestrongwomantherapy