Ohnut: A supportive option for pain with intercourse

Pain with intercourse is common, and for many people it has very little to do with desire, arousal, or relationship issues. Instead, it is often related to pelvic floor muscle tension, tissue sensitivity, hormonal changes, previous pain experiences, or conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic pain syndromes. There may also be changes to the anatomy as a result of prior surgeries such as a hysterectomy.

One pattern I hear frequently in clinic is:

“Sex is okay at first, but it becomes painful with deeper penetration.”

This is where the Ohnut can be a helpful, practical option.

What is the Ohnut?

The Ohnut is a set of soft, wearable silicone rings that sit externally at the base of a penetrating partner or sex toy. When worn, it acts as a depth-limiting buffer, reducing how deep penetration can go.

Each set includes four rings that can be linked or removed, allowing penetration depth to be adjusted gradually and based on comfort. The material is body-safe, medical-grade silicone and is latex free.

Why depth matters with pelvic pain

For many people experiencing painful intercourse, discomfort is not caused by penetration itself, but by what happens at a certain depth. This may relate to:

• Pelvic floor muscle over-activity or guarding

• Sensitivity of deeper vaginal tissues or the cervix

• Post-partum or post-surgical tissue changes

• Endometriosis-related pain

• Menopausal changes to tissue elasticity and lubrication

When pain is anticipated, the body often responds protectively by tightening muscles and increasing sensitivity. Over time, this can reinforce a pain cycle where fear of pain leads to more pain.

How the Ohnut can help

The Ohnut does not treat the underlying cause of pain, but it can be a useful supportive tool alongside pelvic health physiotherapy.

It may help by:

• Reducing deep penetration pain
  By physically limiting depth, the Ohnut prevents contact with areas that trigger discomfort.

• Reducing fear and muscle guarding
  Knowing that penetration will not exceed a certain depth can help the nervous system feel safer, which may reduce involuntary pelvic floor tightening.

• Allowing gradual progression
  Rings can be removed slowly over time, supporting a graded return to penetration rather than pushing through pain.

• Shifting focus away from pain monitoring
  When pain is less of a concern, intimacy can feel less stressful and more relaxed.

Who might find the Ohnut helpful?

The Ohnut may be suitable for people who experience:

• Pain with deep penetration

• Pelvic pain or pelvic floor muscle tension

• Post-partum sensitivity

• Post-gynaecological surgery discomfort

• Menopausal tissue changes

• Anxiety around penetration following previous pain

It can be used alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal dilators, breathing strategies, lubrication, and education around pain and pelvic floor function.

Where it fits in pelvic health care

In pelvic health physiotherapy, the focus is not just on muscles, but on how the body, nervous system, and pain experience interact. Tools like the Ohnut can help bridge the gap between rehabilitation and real-world intimacy, particularly when deep penetration remains a barrier.

Importantly, pain during sex is not something you need to tolerate, push through, or ignore. Support is available, and management is always individual.