Christian Sexuality - Java with Juli

#550 What to Do When Sex is Painful

Jan 20, 2025

In this insightful discussion, Jess Seitz, a trauma-informed pelvic health practitioner, shares her journey overcoming eight years of painful sex. She highlights the misconceptions women face, such as trivial advice and lack of genuine solutions. Jess emphasizes the importance of a holistic healing approach, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. She also explores how faith and support can transform intimacy within marriages, and encourages open communication about sexual pain to break the cycle of discomfort and isolation.

38:57

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Episode guests

Jess Seitz

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Quick takeaways

Sexual pain significantly impacts emotional intimacy and highlights the necessity for understanding and supportive approaches to healing within couples.

Adopting a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological factors is crucial for overcoming painful sexual experiences and fostering intimate connections.

Deep dives

The Struggles with Painful Sex

Many women experience painful sex at some point in their lives, and the emotional and relational consequences can often be more distressing than the physical pain itself. Jess Seitz shares her journey through eight years of painful intercourse due to vaginismus, which resulted in considerable strain on her marriage. The struggles included emotional turmoil and feelings of isolation, as Jess and her husband faced numerous failed attempts and unhelpful advice from medical professionals. Their experience highlights the need for understanding and effective support for women dealing with sexual pain, as well as the importance of addressing the issue as a couple.

Intro

2min

Navigating Vaginismus: A Journey of Healing and Professional Insight

3min

Healing Sexual Pain Through Faith and Support

4min

Overcoming Sexual Pain in Marriage

8min

Understanding Sexual Pain and Intimacy

21min

Finding Support and Resources for Painful Sex

2min

Sexual pain makes sex challenging, stressful, and a source of tension rather than a source of pleasure. Sadly, it’s a very present reality for many couples, and one that can quickly erode sexual intimacy for years or even decades.

Many women are told to ‘watch porn’, ‘drink wine’, or ‘relax’, with no clear diagnosis found and no real solution given. Today’s guest, Jess Setiz, knows this reality all too well. Now a trauma-informed pelvic health practitioner, Jess struggled through painful sex for 8 years before she and her husband were able to find a solution that really worked. She joins Juli to share what she learned, and how she’s helping other women enjoy pleasurable, pain-free sex.

Guest: Jess Seitz

Website: painfreeintimacy.com

Instagram: @painfree.intimacy

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Java with Juli: #547 How to Talk to Your Spouse About Sex

Check out more resources on sex in marriage

Java with Juli with Dr. Juli Slattery – Christian Discussions on Marriage, Sex and Singleness.