your safe and supportive space for healing
Pelvic Physical Therapy for Vaginismus
If You Are Suffering From Vaginismus, You Are Not Alone.
Seek Relief With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.
We empathize with those with vaginismus. We understand that it can impact intimate relationships due to pain with intercourse. Further, wearing a tampon or using a speculum for a gynecological exam may not be an option. You are not alone. Vaginismus is a common ailment that affects many people; however, many people put off seeking professional help for their vaginismus for far too long.
Fortunately, pelvic physical therapy is one of the best treatment options for vaginismus. Schedule an appointment with The Pelvic Model today if you suspect vaginismus. We are here to help you have pain free intercourse again.
What is vaginismus?
If you have vaginismus, the muscles of your vagina contract automatically and involuntarily when vaginal penetration is attempted. These involuntary contractions may be referred to as “muscle spasms” or “muscle guarding.” They narrow the opening of your vagina, making penetration painful or even impossible.
There are two types of vaginismus. If you have Type 1 vaginismus, it means that you have never been able to have pain-free vaginal penetration. If you have Type 2 vaginismus, that means that you have previously experienced pain-free penetration, but now experience muscle guarding and pain with penetration.
What Causes Vaginismus?
Many factors may contribute to increased muscle guarding of the pelvic floor muscles. However, once a person experiences pain with penetration, the body remembers that, and it learns to automatically contract the pelvic floor muscles whenever penetration is attempted. If the pain continues each time you attempt to have sex or every time you go to the gynecologist, the body learns to contract the vaginal muscles even more.
You can probably see how quickly this can become an ongoing cycle. As this cycle of pain and muscle guarding continues, you may learn to avoid intimacy, or you may lose interest in sex altogether.
How can Pelvic PT Help with Vaginismus?
To treat vaginismus most effectively, we want to interrupt this cycle. A qualified pelvic physical therapist will work with you to identify the muscles, nerves, connective tissues, and joints that contribute to your symptoms.
Everybody is unique, and the combination of factors that cause your vaginismus are probably different than someone else’s! That’s why your Pelvic Health physical therapist (PT) will work with you to create a personalized plan of care to address your needs and help you reach your recovery goals. Pelvic PT treatment may include internal and external techniques to decrease excess muscle tension, breathing exercises, stretches, and strengthening exercises.
Because vaginismus is so multifactorial, you may also find it helpful to build a team of healthcare professionals. For example, if you have an underlying medical condition like vestibulodynia that is contributing to the pain you experience during sex, it may be important to work with a physician who can help you resolve that. Other folks find it extremely helpful to work with a qualified sex therapist. It all depends on your individual needs, and we are happy to help you with recommendations to trusted providers who specialize in treating this condition.
Get Started In Addressing Vaginismus Today
At The Pelvic Model, we understand how vaginismus can impede your life, and we can help you solve this. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, be able to use a speculum or tampon, or whatever the case may be, we can help you get there. We will help you address all your concerns and get a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Schedule an appointment today.