Does this sound familiar?
- Pain or burning with penetration
- Unable to insert a tampon
- Painful or impossible pelvic exams
- Fear or anxiety about penetration
- Pain after childbirth or menopause
- Feeling of “hitting a wall”
What contributes to vaginismus
- Anxiety, fear or past painful or traumatic experiences
- Stress and relationship or emotional factors
- Medical causes such as infections, hormonal changes or vulvodynia
- Limited education about anatomy and sexual health
- Childbirth and postpartum changes
How we treat it
You are in control at every step. We begin with education about your anatomy and what’s happening, which on its own often reduces fear. From there we use gentle desensitization, relaxation and breathing, and when you’re ready, internal release and guidance on using dilators or a pelvic wand at home.
What treatment can include
- Education and reassurance
- Breathing and relaxation
- Gradual desensitization
- Internal release when you’re ready
- Dilator and wand guidance
- Home program
Every plan is built around you after a thorough one-on-one assessment, and your progress is re-tested at each visit.