What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the vaginal muscles, aka the pelvic floor muscles, involuntarily contract in association with vaginal penetration. This can make it very painful and or difficult for not just a penis to enter, but those who experience vaginismus may also have difficulty inserting a finger, a tampon or menstrual cup, sex toy or participate in a pelvic exam using a speculum. 

Vaginismus is the leading cause of unconsummated marriage and a major cause of dyspareunia (the blanket term for painful sex).

Vaginismus is classified into two categories. Primary, meaning it was present from the first time vaginal penetration was attempted and Secondary, meaning the person had gone through a period of no symptoms with vaginal penetration before symptoms began. 

Does vaginismus result in pain?

Many experience pain, for others there is no pain. For them it may feel like their partner’s penis (or tampon, sex toy, finger etc.) is hitting a wall as the vaginal muscles contract, preventing or making entrance difficult.

When pain is experienced with vaginismus, it is usually accompanied with fear and anxiety, a complex pain cycle can be the result, making vaginismus difficult to fix at home without the help from medical healthcare providers.

How is vaginismus treated? 

Kathryn, has years of experience treating and helping those with vaginismus, and has completed extensive training in female sexual disorders. Her approach to the treatment of vaginismus is very holistic and may include; internal and/or external pelvic floor myofascial release work, stress management, working with breathing strategies, improving posture and alignment and general osteopathic techniques. Kathryn has a major emphasis on the fascia and the fascial lines present in the body that impact the pelvic floor and the breath.

Kathryn works closely with the team of osteopaths at Eastern Osteopathy where patients regularly see Kathryn for internal pelvic floor myofascial treatment and specific chronic pelvic pain treatment while also seeing the other osteopaths if general treatment is required. Our osteopaths will educate their patients on movement practices to help lengthen the pelvic floor, breathing and meditation to assist with anxiety and stress, and the appropriate use of dilators to ensure all facets of their patients’ care are met.