Giddy | The World's Largest Sexual Health Platform

From the Giddy "About Us" page:

Giddy is starting a new discussion regarding the issues few of us ever talk about.

We're here to help readers address their sexual health conditions, diseases and disorders; answer the questions about their bodies, stages of life and relationships; and adopt lifestyle changes and gain perspective on living with lifelong medical conditions which affect the most intimate parts of life.

On the site, you’ll find expert-reviewed articles featuring a range of topics from prostate health and breast cancer to orgasms and relationships, all supplemented by features and essays, news and culture, interviews and more.

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 25 October 2023; Last Updated: 02 November 2023; 890 Views

In my previous interview at Giddy, writer Kate Daniel went looking for answers to the question "Why does my clitoris hurt?". As a followup to that piece, she once again reached out to me about common conditions affecting your clitoris. Here is an overview of the topic, with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Common Conditions Affecting Your Clitoris

While primarily an organ designed for pleasure, the clitoris can also be a source of discomfort and pain for some women.

Pain in the clitoris can occur due to various reasons, and it's crucial to recognize and address these issues. Here are nine common clitoral conditions:

Clitorodynia:

This is one of the most common reasons patients visit my practice. Clitorodynia, or pain in the clitoris, is a common symptom and can be linked to various underlying causes, such as localized conditions, nerve disorders, or hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Treatment may involve medications and pelvic floor physiotherapy. As I mention in the interview, this condition can result from endometriosis, hormonal insufficiences, and painful bladder syndrome.

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 14 June 2023; Last Updated: 15 June 2023; 2621 Views

In this informative article (link below) Giddy writer Kate Daniel went looking for answers to the question "Why does my clitoris hurt?", and she reached out to me to shed some light on the issue. Here is a brief synopsis of the article with quotes from Kate intespersed with my own commentary. I also encourage everyone to read the full article at the link below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Answers to the Age Old Question "Why does My Clitoris Hurt?"

Anatomically speaking, the clitoris can be seen as the focal point of female genitalia. Most people are aware that it receives stimulation near the top center of the vaginal opening, but it also has legs (also known as "crura") made of erectile tissue that form a V-shape inside the body. Because of its scope and the high concentration of nerves it contains, it can receive stimulation in many ways, including externally at the vulve and deeper up in the vagina.

Combine this with the many other possible factors outlined below, and finding a solution to clitoral pain or discomfort can take a fair bit of research and reflection. These factors could include:

Any number of potential health related issues
Dietary problems and/or dehyration
Where you are at in your cycle
Perhaps most importantly, finding just what kind of stimulation works best for you and your anatomy

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 09 May 2023; Last Updated: 09 May 2023; 1529 Views

We've got lots of articles on dealing with dsypareunia and the painful sex that often accompanies it, but what if it's not you suffering, but instead your partner has dyspareunia? Giddy writer Alex Denny wanted to find some answers and reached out to me for my thoughts. Here are some snippets from the article, followed by a link to the full article at the Giddy website.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Here's What You Need to Know if Your Partner Has Dyspareunia

Author: Alex Denny
Reviewer: Vita Eizans, D.O.

Support goes a long way when your significant other suffers from painful intercourse.

Many people experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives. Whether you needed more lubricant or you just weren't in the mood—the reason doesn't matter—it's not unusual to occasionally feel pain during sex.

Find Out How Dyspareunia Causes Pain During Sex

Intercourse shouldn't hurt, but if it does, find out why and how you can reduce the discomfort.

As the article states, if you experience pain during sex, you're far from alone. Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, affects about 3 in 4 women. Although this condition is most often associated with women, studies have shown about 1 percent to 5 percent of men suffer from pain from intercourse, too.

Find Out Why Inserting a Tampon is Painful

Feeling dizzy and nauseous after putting in a hygiene product? Doctors have some theories.

As mentioned throughout our website, there are a multitude of potential causes of painful penetration, some with overlapping symptoms. A proper diagnosis will always include a deep dive into the background issues that led to the condition, including both physical and emotional causes. And when these issues coincide they can lead to what is called a "vasovagal response":

Do You Get a Stomachache After Sex?

Having heavy cramping may be a sign of a more serious condition

Walking side-to-side may seem like a sexual feat to Ariana Grande, but for me, hobbling home with a sore stomach is not the post-sex feeling I'm chasing after. And this type of pain is much more than a little achiness after aggressive thrusting, something typically attributed to a lack of lubrication or pulling a muscle. Right after orgasm, I curl up in a ball and wait for the intense throbbing to pass. It feels similar to menstrual cramps, lasting up to two hours along the lower region of my abdomen and up toward my belly button.