Vaginismus

Do you ever notice your vagina tensing up when you attempt penetrative sex? Or maybe getting a medical examination and inserting a tampon seems difficult or downright impossible? If any of these situations resonate with you, you might be experiencing vaginismus.

I understand how distressing and uncomfortable this condition can be, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and support is readily available.

So What Is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a mind-body response to the fear of vaginal penetration.  The vaginal muscles tighten involuntarily, making penetration impossible or very painful. It is also a psychosexual condition, which means that the internal clenching is happening due to the person’s brain telling it to.

For some women with vaginismus, the debilitating symptoms have been ever-present, from puberty (Primary Vaginismus) and attempted use of tampons to painful first experiences of sex.

Vaginismus can also occur when vaginal function has been normal for many years (Secondary Vaginismus). With some penetration being possible, but often with accompanying pain. Vaginismus can also occur intermittently, after childbirth or in some other certain contexts of trauma.

The treatment For Vaginismus

The treatment for Vaginismus can be approached with various methods, but I have discovered that a comprehensive four-pronged strategy can effectively address and correct this condition. This approach focuses on retraining both the mind and body, working together to bring about positive changes.

Through a combination of psychological support, pelvic floor exercises, reframing and desensitisation techniques.  Significant improvements can be achieved to gain control over your intimate wellbeing.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy can play a valuable role in assisting and dealing with vaginismus, by addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of the condition. The power of hypnotherapy lies in its ability to tap into the subconscious mind, where emotions, beliefs, and automatic responses are often rooted. For women with vaginismus, anxiety, fear, or negative associations related to penetration can contribute to involuntary muscle spasms.

Hypnotherapy aims to relax the mind and reframe these negative thought patterns. Promoting a more positive and accepting attitude towards intimate experiences.

Through guided relaxation and suggestion, hypnotherapy helps you to access a state of heightened receptivity to positive messages, reducing anxiety and allowing a sense of control over unconscious involuntary body spasms that are often linked to emotional and psychological factors.

By addressing these underlying issues, hypnotherapy can contribute to breaking the cycle of anxiety and muscle tension associated with penetration, enabling you to overcome the physical challenges posed by vaginismus.

In addition to its psychological benefits, hypnotherapy can also enhance physical relaxation, easing tension in pelvic muscles. This in turn allows a more attuned state to mental and physical calmness.  Helping the body engage in progressive exercises aimed at desensitising and reintroducing pleasurable sensations associated with penetration.

Ultimately, hypnotherapy serves as a holistic approach that complements other therapeutic interventions.  Offering a pathway to reclaim control over sexual interactions and fostering a positive and empowering relationship with the body.

How Mindfulness And Breathwork Can Help

Mindfulness and breathwork can be a valuable tool in managing and alleviating the challenges associated with vaginismus. By incorporating mindfulness techniques, this cultivates an awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, particularly during intimate moments.  Mindfulness encourages a non-judgmental and accepting approach to one’s experiences, helping to reduce anxiety and emotional distress related to penetration.

Additionally, conscious breathwork, such as deep and rhythmic breathing, allows a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation of the pelvic muscles. The deliberate focus on the breath during intimate encounters gives control and presence to help mitigate the involuntary spasms often associated with vaginismus.

Through the integration of mindfulness and breathwork, this fosters a more positive and relaxed relationship with bodily sensations contributing to easing of physical and emotional tension associated with this condition.

Yoga And Pelvic Floor

In addressing vaginismus, incorporating yoga and somatic pelvic floor movements provides a holistic approach to both physical and emotional well-being. Yoga offers a blend of gentle stretching, strengthening poses, and mindfulness techniques that can contribute to increased body awareness and relaxation.

Specifically focusing on pelvic floor movements within a somatic context helps develop a conscious connection with the muscles in this region. By engaging in targeted yoga poses and somatic exercises, this in turn gradually releases tension in the pelvic floor, promoting flexibility and reducing involuntary spasms and tightness.

Vaginal Dilators

Vaginal dilators are medical devices designed to assist individuals in managing conditions such as vaginismus, pelvic pain, or post-surgical recovery. Vaginal dilators are of varying sizes that are used in the process to alleviate discomfort and improve flexibility of the vaginal wall.

While some people might not like the idea of this treatment.  If they used in the right context and not on its own.  Dilators are of great benefit to use under the right supervision.

 

If you would like help with Vaginismus and would like further information about the above treatments.  Get in touch.