B7 – The Pleasure Pods Company Ltd.

Taylor McConnachie

AASECT-Certified

Sex Therapist

September 21, 2025

4 Minute Read

Title

Reclaiming Pleasure:

Moving Through Sexual Pain With Compassion and Power

Sexual pain is more common than many realize—and far too often, it's suffered in silence. In this heartfelt post, we explore the complex experience of pain during intimacy, the emotional weight it can carry, and the empowering journey of reclaiming pleasure. Whether you're navigating your own healing or supporting someone you love, this piece offers compassion, clarity, and a reminder: your body deserves care, and your pleasure still belongs to you.

Menopause can bring vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort, affecting both everyday comfort and intimacy. Many women seek a safe vaginal moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration without irritation.

Pleasure Pods are Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Food-Grade.

Sexual pain is one of the most

under-discussed and misunderstood experiences in our intimate lives.

For many people—especially women, trans, and nonbinary individuals—it’s not just a physical issue, but an emotional and psychological one as well.

It can show up as burning, aching, tightness, or sharp discomfort during intimacy, and it often carries with it shame, confusion, and silence.

Let’s be clear: sexual pain is common, but it is not normal—and more importantly, it’s not something you have to simply endure.

Whether caused by vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis, trauma, hormonal shifts, surgery, or other factors, pain during sex can feel like it separates you from your own body.

You may begin to dread intimacy, disconnect from your desires, or feel broken. But you are not broken. Your body is not the enemy.

Pleasure Pods are solid at room temperature and can be packed in your carry-on bag.

Acknowledging What Hurts:

Taking the First Steps

The path to healing begins by acknowledging that something hurts and allowing yourself to be curious, rather than judgmental.

Pain is your body’s way of communicating—not betraying you, but signaling that it needs care, attention, and gentleness.

You deserve support from trauma-informed therapists, pelvic floor specialists, compassionate partners, and anyone who can help you reconnect with your body safely.

There is no shame in saying “this hurts.” There is no weakness in seeking answers. In fact, it’s one of the most radical acts of self-love.

Natural Ingredients - Avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for plant-based butters. pH-Balanced Formula – Prevents irritation and supports vaginal health. Made by women for women, as most lubricants are made by men for men.

As a sex therapist and as someone who personally

experiences sexual pain —I’m deeply familiar with the conversations surrounding it.

What often gets lost in these conversations around sexual pain is the topic of pleasure.

You are still entitled to pleasure. Pain does not disqualify you from intimacy. Your sexuality is not defined by penetration or anyone else’s timeline.

Reclaiming pleasure may look different than what you expected, but it can still be beautiful, rich, and fulfilling.

Pleasure might begin with touch that’s entirely nonsexual—gentle massages, slow breathing, soft fabrics against your skin. It may mean redefining sex to include what feels good for you, rather than a goal-oriented script.

It can involve toys, fantasy, solo exploration, or shared connection—without pressure, performance, or pain.

Our Pleasure Pods personal lubricant is made with mango butter, offering deep hydration and silky-smooth lubrication. Designed for menopausal and postmenopausal women

Moving Forward, With Care

Using products that support your body can be

a deeply empowering experience, such as natural vaginal moisturizers for sensitive skin, or toys made from body-safe materials.

Choosing the right personal lubricant—like Pleasure Pods—for vaginal dryness and irritation can help you feel more connected to your body and enjoy pleasure without the worry of discomfort or pain.

The truth about living with sexual pain, is that healing isn’t linear. There might be setbacks, and there will be learning. But you are allowed to move at your own pace.

You are allowed to say, “not today” and you are allowed to say “yes!” when you’re ready. Reclaiming pleasure is about regaining agency over your body and your experience.

This journey is yours. It can be tender, raw, fierce, and joyful all at once. There is no right way to reclaim pleasure—only your way.

And remember, you are not alone.

Others are walking this path too, quietly and bravely.

Together, by telling the truth and refusing to shrink from it, we make room for healing, for connection, and for joy to return.

Because pleasure belongs to you. And it always has.

Taylor McConnachie,

AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist