Vaginismus 101: Everything You Need to Know and How to Treat It

Do you ever feel like you're "hitting a wall" when trying to insert something into your vagina? If so, please know that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. You might be experiencing something called vaginismus, a condition where the vaginal muscles tighten up involuntarily when anticipating penetration. This can be frustrating, distressing, and even painful, but you’re not alone, and there’s help available. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vaginismus and explore the many treatment options that can help you regain control, comfort, and even pleasure.

What Is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus happens when your vaginal muscles tighten up involuntarily, causing discomfort or pain, especially during penetration. It’s not something you’re consciously doing—it’s your body’s reflexive response to underlying fear or anxiety, often happening without you even realising it. And it’s not just about sex—this can also make inserting tampons or getting through a gynaecological exam tricky or even impossible. The silver lining? Many people with vaginismus can still enjoy orgasms through clitoral stimulation, and with the right treatment and support, it’s absolutely possible to move past the discomfort and feel more at ease with penetration, if that’s your goal.

How Do I Know If I Have It?

If you’re wondering whether you might have vaginismus, here are a few signs to keep in mind:

• Pain During Penetration: If you feel discomfort or pain during activities like intercourse, tampon use, or gynaecological exams, this might be a sign.
• Involuntary Muscle Spasms: Your vaginal muscles might tighten on their own when anticipating penetration, even if you’re not actively trying to engage in it.
• Difficulty with Insertion: If you experience pain or challenges when inserting tampons or during gynaecological exams.
• Feeling Anxious: Anxiety or uneasiness about penetration, which can make physical symptoms worse.
• Persistent Symptoms: These issues occur frequently rather than just once in a while.

How Does One Get Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is not something you catch from someone else—it’s the result of a mix of physical, psychological, and emotional factors unique to you. Here’s a breakdown of some possible contributors:

Physical Factors:

• Infections: Things like UTIs, yeast infections, or other infections that cause pain.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or other gynaecological issues.
• Injury or Trauma: Any injury to the pelvic area or surgeries.
• Childbirth: Difficult or traumatic childbirth experiences.

Psychological Factors:

• Anxiety and Fear: Fear of pain or penetration, or general anxiety.
• Past Trauma: History of sexual abuse or trauma.
• Relationship Issues: Problems, lack of trust, or poor communication in a relationship.

Emotional Factors:

• Negative Sexual Experiences: Bad experiences or negative attitudes towards sex.
• Body Image Issues: Poor self-esteem or a negative body image.
• Cultural or Religious Beliefs: Strict or conservative beliefs about sex.

Can I Get Rid Of Vaginismus?

Here’s the good news—vaginismus is treatable, and with the right professional support, you can work towards feeling more comfortable with penetration, using tampons pain-free, and attending gynaecological exams with confidence. The key is finding the right approach for you, guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

Here are some common suggestions they might recommend:

• Gradual Desensitisation: This may involve using fingers or vaginal dilators to gently get more comfortable with vaginal touching and penetration over time.
• Sex Therapy: A therapist can help you better understand your anatomy, work through any fears or anxieties, and improve how you feel about your body and intimacy.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Techniques like Kegels, mindfulness, or deep breathing can help you regain control over your vaginal muscles, often with the support of a pelvic floor physical therapist.

These are just examples of possible treatments, and a professional can help tailor an approach to suit your needs. While it takes time and patience, many people experience great success—studies show over 90% of cases improve with the right treatment. YAY. 

Remember, vaginismus is nothing to be ashamed of, and with the right support, it’s entirely treatable. You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and in control of your body. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are already on your journey to recovery, know that help is available, and you’re not alone.

Always be kind to yourself, and keep those conversations about sexual health open and honest. Taking care of your body and well-being is a powerful act of self-love.

Love Vee xxx