ERP 517: Pleasure, Pain, and Partnership: Navigating Pelvic Floor Health Together - An Interview with Dr. Sara Reardon

There's a silent struggle that many couples face—issues of pain, discomfort, or disconnection in intimate life that go unspoken and unattended. For so long, pelvic floor challenges have been seen as private burdens to bear alone, surrounded by stigma or confusion about where to turn for help. But what if we viewed these not as individual problems, but as shared matters that impact the whole relationship? Could better understanding and open conversation actually transform your intimacy and emotional connection?

In this episode, you'll discover how pelvic floor health influences pleasure, pain, and intimacy—and why these challenges are best faced together, not solo. Drawing from expert insights and practical guidance, you'll learn how increased awareness and communication can bridge the gap between partners, foster support and compassion, and empower you with tools for healing. Whether you're struggling silently or simply want to deepen trust and connection, this conversation offers actionable steps and hope for anyone ready to turn hidden struggle into shared strength.

Since 2007, Dr. Sara Reardon has been caring for people's pelvic floors as a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist. She is the Founder of The V-Hive, an online pelvic floor workout platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and pelvic floor strengthening. As The Vagina Whisperer on Instagram and TikTok, she has hundreds of thousands of followers. She is the author of FLOORED: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage.

Episode Highlights

03:53 Understanding pelvic floor anatomy and its impact on intimacy.

07:50 Breaking stigma and introducing pelvic health conversations.

09:37 The role of partners and destigmatizing pelvic floor challenges.

14:47 Exploring pelvic floor dysfunction: Causes and effects on relationships.

18:56 Pelvic floor health and sexual pleasure..

21:16 Exploring arousal: Physical and emotional components.

23:13 Daily habits and exercises for intimate health.

28:26 Tools, devices, and progression in pelvic floor therapy.

36:35 Debunking myths: Arousal, climax, and individual differences.

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Learn about your pelvic floor anatomy to understand how it affects day-to-day functions and intimacy.

• Openly discuss pelvic health and intimacy challenges with your partner to reduce shame and foster teamwork.

• Attend pelvic floor therapy sessions together when possible for shared education and support.

• Practice mindful urination and bowel movements—sit fully, breathe, and avoid straining or "power peeing."

• Incorporate pelvic-friendly exercises such as yoga poses (e.g., child's pose, pigeon, happy baby) to encourage muscle relaxation.

• Explore self-stimulation privately to discover which types of touch and stimulation are most pleasurable or comfortable.

• Consider using vaginal trainers or dilators, starting small and gradually increasing size, and involve your partner for support and collaboration.

• Normalize communication around sexual pleasure, pain, and individual needs, recognizing that every body and relationship is unique.

Mentioned

Floored (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

V-Hive (*Google Play link) (app)

Online Workouts (free workout)

Come as You Are (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Squatty potty (e-commerce website)

Vaginal Dilators (e-commerce website)

12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)

Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon

Websites: thevagwhisperer.com

Facebook: facebook.com/thevagwhisperer

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC2MllrS6zD974pxBFbVUHdA

Instagram: instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sara-reardon-pt-dpt-wcs-4a6b1025

TikTok: tiktok.com/@thevagwhisperer