Pain at entry
Often sharp or burning, or a feeling of hitting a wall.
Pain during intercourse is a symptom with more than one possible source. It may be sharp or burning at entry, or a deep ache with certain positions. It can linger for hours afterward.
The common muscle source is a pelvic floor that tightens to protect itself and develops trigger points, tender spots that send pain elsewhere. Deep hip muscles like the obturator internus can add to it. The common nerve source is the pudendal nerve, which tight muscle can press on or which can become irritable itself. Expecting pain makes the muscles guard more, and that can keep the cycle going.
To treat the pelvic floor and hip muscles, I use dry needling, a form of acupuncture. A tight obturator internus or levator ani can press on the pudendal nerve along the pelvic wall. Needling those muscles helps relieve that pressure. The pudendal nerve can also stay irritable on its own. Electroacupuncture sends a gentle current through fine needles near it to help change how it fires.
Most people have had a gynecologic exam and sometimes imaging, and been told everything looks normal. Some have tried medication or been advised to relax. Tight pelvic floor muscle and nerve sensitivity usually don’t show on imaging, and medication may not change them. Pelvic floor PT is often tried too. In New York, PTs and chiropractors can’t dry needle, which makes needling a separate option rather than more of the same.
I start by asking where the pain is, which positions bring it on and how long it lasts afterward. Then the exam:
My work runs alongside gynecology and pelvic floor PT. If an exam finding suggests you check back in with them, I’ll mention it and share the details.
If you haven’t had a recent one, it’s a good idea, especially if symptoms are new or changing. I focus on muscle guarding and nerve sensitivity. I work alongside your gynecologist and don’t replace that care.
See a doctor promptly for new bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or after menopause, fever, or unusual discharge or odor. The same applies to severe or worsening pelvic pain, a new mass, unexplained weight loss or pregnancy concerns. If you suspect infection or have severe sudden pain, don’t wait.
Not always. High tone is common, but pain can also come from tissue sensitivity, nerve irritation, scar tissue, hip mechanics or hormonal changes. Often it’s a mix. The exam is how I find which source matters most for you.
Fine needles go into the tight pelvic floor and hip muscles I find on exam, which loosens the squeeze on the pudendal nerve. If that nerve still reacts, I add a mild current through needles placed close to it. Pain with sex usually has more than one source, so treatment usually combines the two. Some soreness afterward is possible, and I adjust to your sensitivity.
Most people start with one or two visits a week. As things steady, visits taper.
Yes, it can. Normal imaging and labs don’t rule out muscle and nerve sources of pain. Tight muscle and sensitive nerves can cause significant pain without any structural change, and a hands-on exam is often how they’re found.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
It's generally safe with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
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118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
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