Pain with Intimacy? Let’s Talk About the Kiwi

Dr. Sasha Speer, PT, DPT
6 days ago
3 min read

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Broken

If intimacy has ever been uncomfortable, painful, or filled with tension—you’re not alone.

At Auria Pelvic Health, we work with countless women and individuals who experience pain with penetration, burning sensations, or a sense of “tightness” that makes intimacy stressful instead of enjoyable.

The truth?

Pain with intimacy isn’t “in your head.” It’s your body’s way of saying:

“I don’t feel safe yet.”

And that’s where gentle, guided pelvic therapy—and the Kiwi—come in.

Green pelvic mobility device and matching box on tan surface. Box reads "Kiwi: Progress never felt so good" by The Pelvic People. Yellow backdrop.

So, What Is the Kiwi?

The Kiwi (named after its small, smooth, and rounded design) is a pelvic mobility and relaxation tool—similar in purpose to a dilator, but softer, curved, and designed for gentle release and nervous system safety.

It’s not a medical device you “have to get through.”

It’s a mind-body training tool used to help your pelvic muscles, fascia, and nervous system learn how to relax, respond, and open without pain.

At Auria, we often use the Kiwi (or similar soft tools) to help patients reconnect with this deep area of the body—safely, gently, and without pressure.

How the Kiwi Supports Pelvic Healing

1. It Teaches Your Muscles to Let Go

Chronic tension in the pelvic floor can make penetration or exams painful. The Kiwi helps retrain your muscles to release instead of contract—building new, pain-free muscle memory.

2. It Supports Mind-Body Reconnection

Many patients hold subconscious guarding in the pelvic region from trauma, anxiety, or past pain. The Kiwi allows for slow, sensory-based reconnection through guided movement and breathwork.

Hands hold The Kiwi against a torso. The person wears orange-patterned clothing, matching the orange nail polish.

3. It Reduces Fear and Builds Safety

Unlike larger, rigid tools, the Kiwi’s soft, responsive design allows your nervous system to stay calm—helping you associate pelvic touch with safety, not stress.

4. It Complements Pelvic PT Techniques

We use tools like the Kiwi alongside manual therapy, breath retraining, and scar release to restore natural motion and ease in the pelvic floor.

Why Pain with Intimacy Deserves Attention

Pain during sex—known as dyspareunia—is incredibly common, but often dismissed. It can stem from:

Pelvic floor overactivity or tension
Hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause)
Scar tissue after childbirth or surgery
Vaginismus
Fear-based muscle guarding
Stress and nervous system dysregulation

Ignoring the pain or “pushing through” only reinforces tension patterns. True healing begins when you create safety in your body first—physically and emotionally.

What Healing Looks Like at Auria

At Auria Pelvic Health, we combine:

Gentle pelvic floor therapy (internal & external)
Guided tool training with the Kiwi or dilators
Breath and nervous system regulation
Education and support around intimacy and boundaries

Our approach is rooted in compassion, consent, and choice. We move at your pace—because your body deserves patience, not pressure.

A Message from Our Therapists

“We love the Kiwi because it helps our patients feel what safe openness feels like again. It’s not about forcing—it's about retraining comfort, trust, and curiosity in your own body.”

Let’s Redefine Intimacy—With Comfort and Confidence

If intimacy has become something you dread or avoid, it’s time to try a new approach. Healing is possible—with the right tools, guidance, and support.

Ready to learn more about the Kiwi and pelvic PT for pain with intimacy?

Schedule a consultation at Auria Pelvic Health, and take the first gentle step toward comfort, connection, and confidence in your body.

Auria Pelvic Health

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 412

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: 310-505-6096

Website: www.theaurialife.com