Vaginismus is a condition that not many people are aware of, however it can affect between 5 to 17% of women in their lifetime and can severely impact quality of life. Even fewer people realise it can be treated with specialised physiotherapy treatment. Read on to learn more about how to identify vaginismus and how physiotherapy can help.

What is Vaginismus?

It is characterised by involuntary contraction or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles that can cause pain and interfere with vaginal penetration (e.g. intercourse, insertion of tampon, pelvic floor exam).

Symptoms relating to the condition include:

• Painful intercourse
• Fear of penetration
• Difficulty with inserting tampons
• Involuntary muscle spasms
• Feelings of frustration, embarrassment or inadequacy
• Low libido and self-esteem
• Painful gynaecological exams
• Burning or stinging sensation during intercourse

All the symptoms above can have a significant impact on the individual including strained relationships, fertility concerns and an emotional toll.

Vaginismus and Awareness

‘We’ve existed as a society that has placed a lot of shame on women’s bodies, ignoring women’s sexualities and women’s reproductive health problems.’

Vaginismus can affect up to 17% of women in their lifetime. So why the hush-hush? The negative stigma and limited public awareness around this condition have made it difficult for women to speak openly, which must change. Painful intercourse and involuntary muscle spasms are not normal and are highly treatable, spread the word!

Sex Education, a popular Netflix show exploring teenagers’ ideations about sex, aired an episode in 2019 where we met a teenage girl, Lily, who started to explore her sexuality. However, she then learns that vaginismus is to blame for her awkward sexual encounters. Lily helped to change the narrative of vaginismus by being open, honest, and depicting real-life situations that people with this condition may have.  Spreading awareness around this condition is key. If you haven’t seen this episode already, put it on your to-do list!

‘It’s not you, it’s me. My vagina is like a Venus fly trap.’ – Lily, Sex Education.

‘We’ve existed as a society that has placed a lot of shame on women’s bodies, ignoring women’s sexualities and women’s reproductive health problems.’

How Can Vaginismus Be Treated?

Women can regain control of their bodies with the right support and guidance through Women’s Health physiotherapy. Women’s Health Physiotherapy can include pelvic floor muscle relaxation and retraining techniques that aim to normalise muscle tone and alleviate pain so that women have the freedom with their own sexual desires. It can help women feel validated, supported and stamp out the negative stigma surrounding the condition.

If you feel like you are suffering with Vaginismus, book in at UniquePhysio today with our Women’s Health Physiotherapist. You are not alone in this journey.