What is Vaginismus; a thread

Vaginismus is when the vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten in response to vaginal penetration. This includes vaginal penetration during sex and inserting tampons.

Although there isn’t always an obvious explanation for Vaginismus, causes can include... the fear that your vagina is too small, a bad first sexual experience, an unpleasant medical examination or a belief that sex is shameful or wrong.

If you think you have vaginismus you should head to your GP or a sexual health clinic. You can request to see a female doctor if that would make you more comfortable.

Your doctor will ask you a couple of questions about what you’re experiencing and may ask to do a quick examination to rule out any other conditions.

If your doctor thinks you have vaginismus, you may be referred to a specialist or given techniques to try and manage it.

Treatments for vaginismus can include...
Talking therapy, specifically about sex and your body

Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, and touching exercises

Pelvic floor exercises

Vaginal trainers

Initially many of these treatments are carried out under guidance from a professional but they’ll likely give you exercises to do at home too.

If your partner has vaginismus, it’s important that you communicate when it comes to sex. Sex doesn’t have to stop altogether when your partner has vaginismus. Oral, mutual masturbation and other non-penetrative fun is always an option.

If your partner is comfortable, you can go along to appointments with them so you can learn a bit more about it and what you can do to help.

According to the Huffington Post, an estimated 5-17 percent of women are affected and the actual number is likely to be a lot higher as many people with vaginas don’t seek help.

Vaginismus is normal. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

If you want to know more about Vaginismus then check out https://www.thevaginismusnetwork.com  and listen to The Sex With Dr Jess Podcast - Vaginismus: Painful Sex