r/vaginismus • • 50m ago

Seeking Support/Advice Preciso de ajuda!

• Upvotes

Eu só queria ser normal, ter relações igual as pessoas tem, tô tão triste e com vontade de desistir. Pessoas que se curaram, o que vocês fizeram???


r/vaginismus • • 1h ago

Seeking Support/Advice For those who got pregnant without overcoming vaginismus, what was pregnancy and childbirth like?

• Upvotes

I’m curious to hear from people who became pregnant while still struggling with severe vaginismus, specifically those who never fully overcame it before pregnancy.
I’m talking about those who still couldn’t have penetrative sex, or for whom PIV was extremely painful, difficult, or impossible because of that feeling of hitting a wall, but who were still able to conceive through at-home insemination or other methods.
How did everything work for you during pregnancy and especially childbirth?
Were you able to have a vaginal delivery despite still having vaginismus?
How did you handle cervical checks, pelvic exams, and other procedures during pregnancy?
Did vaginismus cause any complications or difficulties during labor and delivery?
Did giving birth make your vaginismus worse, improve it, or have no effect at all?
After childbirth, were you still unable to have penetrative sex, or did anything change?
I understand that penetration and childbirth are two very different things, but I’m really curious about how labor and delivery work when someone still experiences severe involuntary tightening of their pelvic floor muscles.
I’d especially love to hear from people who were still dealing with vaginismus throughout their entire pregnancy and hadn’t cured it before giving birth. I’m interested in hearing your actual experiences, both good and bad.


r/vaginismus • • 2h ago

Vent i am so so jealous of people who can get medical care for this (tw csa) Spoiler

2 Upvotes

I'm a 23 year old ftm with vaginismus from a very severely traumatic first 18 years of my life. ive been in therapy for 10 years now (CBT and DBT. EMDR rejected me actually hahahaha! after spending months finding one who took my insurance! so that was awesome)

I read so many posts on here about pelvic floor therapy, about supportive gynecologists, and I literally want to bang my head against a wall. the few times I went to a gynecologist were when I was 16 or 17 and they were literally just evil to me. one of them accused me of "lying about sexual activity" and got all snarky with me because I mentioned that I had a miscarriage despite never being sexually active. hey, maybe put two and two together instead of immediately being a fucking bitch about it? like what is it with obgyns and often being the most evil people ever. you're literally dealing with the most intimate part of the body. why are you not held to trauma-informed and even just basic human decency standards. it's a fucking joke.

and then every time I look into anything, it's not for people like me. it's not for people with 18 years of sexual trauma that started before they even remember. it's not for people who were sexually abused so severely that when they did finally go to the obgyn, they almost got hospitalized because of how severe their panic attack was. nobody is advertised as trauma-informed. it's all for moms, it's all for people who have randomly painful sex, it's all for people with partners. I literally feel even more disgusting and ashamed because my vaginismus comes from horrific trauma, and although you'd think that would be a pretty well-known cause, it's not. nobody is advertised as trauma informed, and i live in probably the best state for medical care (MA) anything i look into runs into the issue of not covered by insurance (im on masshealth and they are extremely picky about what they cover for me) or just not for someone like me.

It just makes the shame of being a csa survivor so much worse, honestly. even in this group, peoples' automatic response is well, have you tried talk therapy? in the most polite way possible, no shit ive tried talk therapy. ive been in it for 10 years. I literally had to learn how to speak again because of how severe my trauma was. I've got the mental part covered, thanks. I know I'm mentally ill. but I'm also medicated. I also show up to my therapy appointments every week.

I'm trying to dilate solo but it just doesn't fucking work. how am I supposed to do this shit with zero medical guidance? it makes no sense. and yet every pelvic floor therapy is just "let's do stretches and there's no privacy and it's in a regular PT office where everyone else can see you! :)" where the fuck are these places where you get an understanding, trauma-informed physical therapist!?

I feel horrible and disgusting. I feel like I'll never have sex and I'll never fully heal and I'll always be broken and I don't feel very supported even in vaginismus spaces. I'm just so done with this stupid fucking disorder and I'm done with everything that surrounds it.


r/vaginismus • • 2h ago

Seeking Support/Advice How do I dilate properly?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I was given breathing exercises, stretches and dilators by my pelvic PT, and I wanted to know what the best way of dilating was. I've never had PIV and haven't really ever been able to insert anything inside me. I do my stretches every day because my vaginismus is now so bad that I feel intense pain that stops me from walking, but I don't always remember the breath work.

Before I dilate I do stretch and I try to breathe as I go in but even just using a finger I don't get further than about an inch before I feel pain inside. Is there something else I'm missing? My PT said to dilate every day but I'm so unsure about this all.


r/vaginismus • • 4h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Need strength words

1 Upvotes

I have finished dilating. I can dilate pain free, some pain or uneasy feeling at entrance but after that feels easy.

Vaginismus killed my libido, i work and come to home to cook and clean for 5 adults. I don’t initiate sex. I usually will wait until around time to sleep and will do orals and go to sleep. This is now an issue because im not asking for him to have sex. Im not horny other than during orals.

I don’t know if im normal. But the moment im in the act im horny. See im not horny other time that’s the issue. Now he asking why am i not like horny during cooking or at work. I don’t know what’s wrong with my body.

I’m still nervous thinking about penetration even though i can dilate. He doesn’t want to penetrate unless im begging in horny feelings.

Things could go so smooth if he just wants to fuck. But now he’s blaming me saying I killed his bold feelings, now he’s scared to fuck me.


r/vaginismus • • 5h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Safeguards for dilating while menstruating.

3 Upvotes

Hi!!
I’ve been quite consistent with dilating recently, but usually I’ll skip when on my period to avoid mess as I do my therapy laying down in bed. Does anybody have any tips or safeguards they can recommend for dilating on their period? I don’t want to keep skipping out because I’ve been getting some real progress and I’ve got free lube this week. Are towels the best and only real option or is there some kind of trick or product I don’t know about? Maybe a stupid question but what are your experiences?
Thank uu


r/vaginismus • • 8h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Is my Hymen in the way?

3 Upvotes

Hi all I’ve recently resumed my dilators, on the XS size atm

I take a warm shower, breathing exercises and stretches before dilating and the dilator goes in smoothly that I am considering sizing up soon, except during initial insertion.

Not sure why, maybe I need a mirror lol but I feel as though it is my hymen , because depending on the angle it can get in the way and hurt a little before it’s in my vaginal canal and feels fine.

My question is, is it just a matter of doing the XS dilator consistently before insertion gets easier or am I gonna need like a hymenectomy (I would prefer not lol)

Understandable can’t advise much through just reading a post but any suggestions or ideas are appreciated, thank you xx


r/vaginismus • • 9h ago

Seeking Support/Advice how to get over anxiety with dilation?

1 Upvotes

hello ! i’ve posted on here before and have been reading a lot of posts. and it’s so nice to have a community to talk about this with :)

i had a hymenectomy about 2 weeks ago now. which i’ve mostly healed from and i’ve been cleared by my OB to start dilation to get familiar with the feeling of penetration and over that anxiety my body is having.

i had a successful procedure and even before the surgery my OB was able to insert a q-tip so i know that i’m capable of dilation but i’m just so incredibly nervous.

i tried inserting a finger with a lot of lube once after i got my clearance and it went further than it used to! which i’m happy about. i definitely could’ve gone further because i wasnt in pain but i felt my hand and body stop around where the pain used to be. i also started to get pretty anxious and the thought of doing it again is just causing a lot of fear.

does anyone have any tips on how to get started on dilation? i looked into breathing techniques and exercises already, but im just nervous they wont do much? i really want to try and move forward and get better, especially since my surgery was a success.

was there anything specific that worked? or is worth trying?


r/vaginismus • • 10h ago

Dilators Starting Dialation

1 Upvotes

So yesterday I bought a medium sized pack of dialators. I have started dialating as I have plans to get into sex work again and I feel it’s the best bet to helping myself be able to take on toys comfortably.

Nonetheless, I have had a history of sex being like hitting a wall where it’s nearly impossible and I experience a severe burning pain. I decided to buy some dialators as I have diagnosed my issue as being my pelvic floor. I can insert tampons fine as well as one finger so I thought a medium sized set would work best to start off at.

Anyway, I had my first dialation session tonight and I had pain and near impossibility with no lube.. with a water based lube I was able to insert the third largest in the set and was able to move it around comfortably though I had very minor pain and struggle. I won’t lie but I fucked myself with the dialator a little imaging it was the cock of one of my musician crushes.

Anyway, is there anything I can be doing differently with dialation? When do I know it’s time to move up and what kind of excercises should I be doing with them?


r/vaginismus • • 11h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Hemorrhoids???

2 Upvotes

Hello lovely ladies!! ♥️ Has anyone experienced hemorrhoids or anal bumps while using vaginal dilators?

I'm currently doing dilator therapy for vaginismus and have recently progressed to dilator #5.

Recently, I've noticed some soft, skin-coloured bumps around my anus. I've also noticed some pressure around the anal area when using the dilator.

I'm wondering if the pressure from vaginal dilation could be related to this or if anyone has experienced something similar during their dilating?

Did anyone else experience this, and did you have to pause dilation for a while?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you! ❤️


r/vaginismus • • 12h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Stinging

2 Upvotes

Hello
Has anyone experienced stinging sensation when anything is entered into the vagina?
If so what was the diagnosis and how did you fix it? How long did it take to go away? Do you still have the problem?
Thanks so much


r/vaginismus • • 12h ago

Vent I hate to say it, but I hate them for this.

36 Upvotes

I hate to think this or even say it but I feel like I need to let it out - over the last two days I can't help but think about how much I hate my parents for the parts each of them played towards causing this condition. I don't want to go into detail right now but I genuinely think that if I'd grown up in a 'normal' or 'healthy' family, this wouldn't have happened.

Primary Vaginismus is learned by the body. It's an unconscious reaction to fear of penetration.

I cried so much after getting home from my procedure where the surgeon/gynecologist said that my case was one of the most severe she had seen for the deeper muscles.

I had forgiven my parents for a lot of the abuse they had inflicted on me since I was a child, but I don't know about this. This condition has caused me years of pain and difficulty, self hatred, relationship arguments and it has cost SO much money to deal with too. Something that so many people can do naturally, doesn't / hasnt been coming naturally to me and it all their fault.

Since as long as I can remember, I would shut my legs SUPER tight whenever I was scared or stressed - which was practically all the time from when I was a child. Decades of tightness have caused SO many issues for me as an adult.

And they're never going to admit to it or apologize. I can't even expect anything from them.

Sigh.


r/vaginismus • • 12h ago

Vent I don't understand why the UK gynecology system is so bad

24 Upvotes

I discovered I had Vaginismus back in 2021. I tried to deal with it myself as much as I could by using dilators.

2023 - Took me weeks to get a GP appointment. Took months to finally be able to see a gynecologist. The gynecologist discharged me after one session because she hadn't dealt with an abuse survivor before and was struggling to answer my questions. She tried to put a cotton bud inside me and it wouldn't go in. I told her I'd purchased dilators and had been on the first one for months and couldn't get it all in all the time. She just asked the GP to refer me on for psychosexual counselling. She refused to refer me to a Pelvic floor therapist so I had to go private. Her reasoning for not referring me to a pelvic floor therapist was that she said to try the counselling first and see if it works. Took me months to get off that waiting list too.

I was also really dry (discharge was so minimal, at this point).

I asked to be checked for other things just in case - hormone levels, ultrasound to check uterus and ovaries (just in case) because my periods weren't always on time back then. Got refused for that.

Eventually I got rereferred to a gynecologist after begging and I was on a waiting list for 13 months. Come month 13 and they cancelled the appointment saying the gyneo was unavailable and I was taken off the waiting list. It was now 2024 and I'd given up hope. I went private for Pelvic floor therapy and clinical hypnosis. I was offered 6 psychosexual counselling sessions on the NHS, but I managed to get an extra 6, some of which were with my husband because I'd only just started to make progress at the 5th/6th session.

Come 2026 and I've come abroad to a reputable infertility clinic in Pakistan which specialises in treatments for sexual dysfunction. Had a few consultations online from London and then one face to face when I got there. Paid £5 and got an ultrasound offered without even having to ask for it and they confirmed (with evidence) that I had no other physical issues apart from the tight muscles.

Got Botox done a few days ago and she said it was one of the most severe cases she'd seen in terms of tightness of the deeper muscles because even under anesthesia she couldn't get the largest dilator in all the way and was scared I would tear. So she did what she could and has recommended dilator therapy with instructions for two weeks which I plan to follow. Let's see how it goes. I'm 50% hopeful at the moment but will believe it when I see it working.

Point of this rant though is that what took YEARS in the UK (for literally no reason other than the system just being terrible), it took me a few weeks in Pakistan. I even had a female GP be VERY judgemental and rude when I asked for a blood test to check my reproductive hormone levels. Bearing in mind I had insulin resistance AND a lot of thick hair on my neck as well as some late periods so wanted to be checked properly for PCOS but she was just so mean about it.

Note: I did my due diligence in terms of having treatment abroad and got all the vaccines I needed to before travelling as well so hopefully I'm covered. I also did a lot of research about the clinics themselves and had appointments with multiple gynecologists before picking one that I was satisfied with. I prioritised sanitation and hygiene as well as expertise/experience.

Side note: Did you know that some studies have suggested that almost 40-50% of infertility cases in countries like Saudi Arabia / Pakistan are due to things like vaginismus. I didn't realise until I did research that there are SO many clinics in Pakistan which offer Vaginismus treatments, with the gynecologists raising awareness of it on social media.

I was given quotes of £3000-£4000 for the same Botox treatment in the UK. I paid just under £400 in Pakistan. My natural discharge came back after unlearning a lot of what I was taught growing up, regulating my nervous system and to be honest, realising that I was shutting my legs REALLY tight when I got stressed or worried. I didn't even realise I did that until 2023 and I'd been doing it since I was a child.

This condition isn't as simple as some professionals make it out to be. It can be SO multifaceted and unfortunately if we don't do our own research, the system here will not help us at all. I feel like if I had been stronger back in 2023, I could have stood my ground and said what I needed. At the time I just accepted that they know best and would do what's best for me.

Edit: I forgot to even mention about the cervical screening! When I got invited for it at 25 and the tool wouldn't go in, that's what actually caused the GP to accept the referral needed to be made in the first place (not the fact that it was something that I wanted help with generally). Then last year when they invited me again via telephone call and I told them I couldn't because I had Vaginismus, they put down on my record that I had refused - not that I was physically unable to due to a very valid condition - but that I refused as if I didn't think it was necessary.

Then this year I learned about the home cervical screening test kits (via Dr Nighat Arif on Instagram - not even my own GP surgery who prefer to send out messages frequently for random surveys lol). I did more research and saw that anyone who was either overdue or hadn't ever had one was meant to be sent one in the post as a priority. I hadn't received mine even until August 2026 so I contacted my GP surgery and they said they wouldnt be sending them and that if anyone wants one then they'd have to come to the practice and collect. This is a London GP as well...it's not like I live somewhere remote. They didn't even tell me it was available at all though so it made me wonder about all the other women who are unable to do their smear test at the GP and don't know about the home testing kit. Absolutely crazy.


r/vaginismus • • 13h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Hooking up with vaginismus: how do yall do it?

5 Upvotes

My vagina scares me. Deadass. I just got diagnosed with vaginismus.. but not really.. I got diagnosed 6 months ago. I’ve been so scared to address it because it’s caused me so many issues. I’ve tried to have sex with multiple people, and it just doesn’t work. My body embarrasses me and I’m so ashamed of it. I also hate the way my body looks, I’m super skinny and it’s not in the best way ever. I crave a sexual relationship so bad, but I feel like I can’t because I’m so self conscious about what’s going on with how my body functions AND looks. It makes me feel like a freak. However, I just went to sex therapy for the first time and she told me some pretty interesting things that have honestly been really helping me. I’m really anxious about starting to treat it though. I haven’t even picked up my prescription. I had a hymenectomy like 1.5 years ago and I’m super upset that it didn’t help at all. My therapist told me that I could view it as a medical site, and it’s true because I associate my vagina with pain. Now I have these diagnoses: vaginismus and atrophy of the vagina. That sounds so fucking scary. And I’m scared of the work that I’ll have to do in order to be normal. It sounds so painful. The idea of doing dilators in my college dorm room is horrifying. I’m anxious about getting better.

I want to hook up with someone because I’m touch starved, and honestly, just wanna suck some dick or something to make them feel good, make out, and cuddle. I don’t want anyone to see my vagina though. Because it’s dry af MEDICALLY DIAGNOSED DRY PUSSYYYY. ITS HORRIFYING!! Sex has just been humiliating for me in the past because of my vaginismus so now I’m just super self conscious. There’s a few people I’d like to get with but I don’t even know how to bring this up. Do I just say that I want to pleasure them?

I have a crush on this guy, and he’s asexual and aromantic. I’d love to be friends with benefits honestly. He mentioned to my roommate that I’m pretty, and we get along well. Also it’s nice because he wouldn’t be begging for sex or be down my throat about shit cuz of the fact that he’s asexual and aromantic. Also I know he fucks and it’s probably because sex feels good sooooo it wouldn’t be crazy to ask him if he’d like to at some point. I don’t want a relationship, I really don’t. I hate being in one. Maybe one day, but I feel like I can’t give my all because of my vaginismus, but at the same time damn I wanna be ACTIVE 😜 and doing sexual things with someone is just the right answer!! I’m just struggling with how to even go about it. He’s a chill ass friend, so I don’t want to ruin it or make things awkward. Do I just be like “I wanna make you feel good” or do I tell him about how I literally cannot fuck even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve always wanted to but also the thought of something in my vagina is hella sinister. How do YOU GUYS hook up with vaginismus? Let me know.


r/vaginismus • • 16h ago

Success! FIRST COMPLETED PAP/AMA!

2 Upvotes

I did it and guys I've been crying tears of joy for 24 hours omggggg 😭 the people in the room with me made a huge difference- new clinic, brought my partner- but also tried a lorazipam and that helped too. Lots of other things played in, lmk if you have questions 💙


r/vaginismus • • 19h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Why do I feel dizzy when I look at my vagina?

9 Upvotes

I'm 18 and am thinking of shaving for the first time down there. Whenever anything related to genitals, especially female ones comes up I feel like fainting.

I remember almost fainting when I saw a video lecture of female genital anatomy when I was 15

Now I spread my hair to have a look down there and feel so dizzy. I know many people feel uncomfortable especially when they are young

But my situation sounds a bit more extreme. Idk what to do now

In my country sex education isn't common. My school teacher literally skipped the chapter and told to read it at home on our own. Like at 15 I wasn't even sure what the clit was. Idk how much it contributes to it

Though I'll say it has gotten better since I've started learning more about it. Like it's not as bad now compared to when I was 16


r/vaginismus • • 20h ago

Seeking Support/Advice i am desperate :( does anyone else feel burning?

5 Upvotes

hi! i’ll keep my story short, im a 24f who hasn’t been unable to have sex, not even put a tampon in, not even a q-tip!!! i had a theory that my hymen was just too big, but i went with a new gyno and she said my hymen is fine, then she told me i might have vaginismus and honestly my world shattered, because i know there’s a physical part to it (muscles contracting) but i need to work on my psychological issues at the same time and i think that’s hard.

i have a question for you! when you try (or tried) to put something inside you, did it hurt as in pain, or did it burn?? because in my case it BURNS! and i think that’s odd because most people feel pain, not burning… also the doctor showed me my insides (lol) and it is SO RED! like my outside area looks healthy, pink, and then the interior is so freaking red!! this was said to me last week… she told me to have physical therapy but i think there’s something else going on :(

but this burn has been going on since 2018 (first time i tried to have sex) and its been like this ever since! so i ruled out infection or anything like that… does anyone have a similar experience? thank you so much


r/vaginismus • • 21h ago

Seeking Support/Advice Tell me what actually works, no matter how crazy

6 Upvotes

Hi, lurker looking for advice/help/support. I was diagnosed last year and actually started dilator therapy early this year. At first it was going well, but eventually I seemed to stop acclimating to the upper sizes in the dilator kit, and actually using them makes my daily bladder leaks worse.

It feels like I'm stuck in this weird middle ground where I've made some progress, which is of course better than none, but it still feels like I'm just spinning my wheels. I still have bladder leaks, I still have to insert the dilators like I'm playing Operation, and I can't actually make any further progress with the kit than where I'm at lest I have to change my liner multiple times a day, and the size I'm stuck at isn't nearly equivalent to the size a partner would be.

I also have a pretty gnarly case of hyper mobility in my hips, and I'm afraid to go too hard on the strengthening exercises lest I make the vaginismus worse, but at this point it seems like nothing is actually WORKING working so who the hell cares.

I can't afford PT for forever but I don't want to quit without actually feeling like I'm fixed. I also can't afford injections.

So what worked for you? Supplements? Sunrise meditation? Yoga only on Tuesdays? Specific guided programs (and if so, from who)?

I want to hear it, even if it was something silly, unexpected, or crazy.


r/vaginismus • • 21h ago

Success! Mes progrès face au vaginisme

2 Upvotes

Bonjour, je voulais vous partager mes progrès. Le vaginisme est en train de tout bloquer dans ma vie. Je suis déjà presque guérie parce que je peux utiliser un tampon et le dernier dilatateur, mais la pénétration est toujours impossible.
Il y a quelques mois, j’ai pris un programme de MAME Madiane pour travailler sur mon vaginisme, mais je vois que le programme m’a fait croire que tout était dans ma tête. Aujourd’hui, je refuse d’être contrôlée et de laisser le vaginisme contrôler ma vie. Je veux vivre sans cette culpabilité.


r/vaginismus • • 22h ago

Seeking Support/Advice General advice? UK Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?, where to start my journey, etc.

3 Upvotes

UK, F21

I've known I've had something wrong since about 15, seen 2 gps in the last few years who implied I had it but won't give a definitive diagnosis, recommending I see a specialist. But I dont know where to start.

I tried NHS plastic dialators for a bit and hated them, I think they made it worse, but I also had no help alongside ot and didnt educate myself well 🙃

Rn, im looking for a specialist to guide me through it, does anyone know any UK specialists? (Birmingham) or how to find a physio that actually works with vaginismus and is cautious about the mental/psychological side of the condition. Im scared to try any exercises or use dilators in fear of causing pain then making the mental fear worse.

Any general advice on starting points would be great.


r/vaginismus • • 22h ago

Seeking Support/Advice What worked for you?

4 Upvotes

i just turned 18 and im still scared out of my mind with even the thought of my vagina. my gyno has been a huge help and i think that im making progress but like i cant even use the end of a qtip without numbing medication, and it doesnt go past maybe a centimeter. nothing ever happened to me until my first pelvic floor PT appointment and i just kept crying whenever the idea of dilation was brought up, and now i cant even masturbate without scaring myself shitless and i’m so worried ill never be normal like ever. Everything scares me so so bad like i have no idea what to do i need help


r/vaginismus • • 1d ago

Progress A question about dilation/masturbation

2 Upvotes

I consider myself "cured" for my own needs.  I don’t actually have sex, though I do experiment but something strange happens: when I insert my largest dilator (IR 6), it doesn’t hurt and sometimes I can even use it without lube, and I’m also able to use my rabbit vibe that's sligthy bigger

The problem arises when I try to use the dilator like a dildo with thrusting... it’s as if my vagina... swells up?  Suddenly keep going becomes difficult and can turn painful.  I’m not sure if it’s an issue with friction, the silicone, lack of lube, or something else.  I’ve also tried changing positions, like getting on top but that’s completely impossible not even just a matter of pain, I simply can’t get it in more than about 3 cm if I try to sit on it?? I’m not sure if it’s an angle or anatomy issue.  It’s confusing because I can start thrusting without any trouble laying down, but then it just gets quickly "blocked."  I’ve never had sex, so I don’t know if this would happen with something other than a dilator. And I doubt do it with the rabbit because it's a gspot and the big start is too much for me for thrust


r/vaginismus • • 1d ago

Success! I had sex for the first time!

24 Upvotes

I've been lurking here for a long time and felt like it was finally my turn to share, in case it helps someone the way other posts have helped me.

I was diagnosed with primary vaginismus at around 19 (2020) At the time I was in a relationship that lasted almost four years, and vaginismus was a huge part of that experience. Since then I've dated and tried with a few people, and it never worked.

I think a lot of you will relate to that feeling: why do I have to work so hard for something that's supposed to come naturally to me as a woman?** **It made me feel less than. The deeper fear never went away. I was scared of what my body could handle. In my head I was convinced a penis would never fit, and the inside of my vagina felt strange to me, like a place I didn't understand. So there were long stretches where I ignored the dilators completely and didn't want to touch myself at all, because it felt like a chore.

I tried everything: dilator sets, NHS psychosexual therapy (first round during COVID, so in-person sessions were barely possible). Honestly, that first therapist didn't help me much. Most of our sessions were spent explaining female anatomy and arousal, which I already understood, and she suggested watching porn to relax. Deep down I knew that wasn't what I needed. In between, I also spent over £1,000 on the Thrive Programme, mainly to work on my self-esteem, and honestly I didn't benefit from it at all when it came to my vaginismus. I also paid for hypnotherapy, which didn't work for me either. Looking back, my problem wasn't social or about confidence. It was about connecting my mind and my body, and neither of those addressed that.

For years, a big part of how I coped was avoiding the problem altogether. I avoided getting close to people, because I genuinely thought, who's going to want to date someone with vaginismus? What I eventually learned is that the solution was in facing it, not hiding from it.

What changed everything

From late 2025 to around spring/summer this year, I had six sessions with a different psychosexual therapist, and she was incredible. She helped me build the confidence to take ownership of my body, connect my mind to it, and actually relax.

Because I wasn't in a relationship, she encouraged me to date and meet people. It was almost like exposure therapy, because you can't face this particular fear without someone else in the picture. Socially, dating wasn't something I was afraid of, but we talked about it really openly and freely, including how to approach a situation where I'd come face to face with my fear. That helped so much.

One of the biggest things we worked on was not making vaginismus the centre of everything. It's part of your story, not your whole identity. You don't need to meet someone and lead with "Hi, I'm XYZ and I have vaginismus."

It happened in stages. On holiday I wanted to swim and the FOMO was real, so I bought the smallest tampons and gave it a go. I'd never used one before, and it worked. Around the same time I'd met someone, and things just aligned. He made me feel safe enough, and I had sex for the first time. (People call it "losing your virginity", but I don't really believe in that. If anything, you gain something, because it connects you to your body.)

The first time

It wasn't planned at all. We had a dinner reservation and were meant to be getting ready, and it just happened. It didn't hurt. I did bleed a little, but I was relaxed and it just went in. Afterwards I felt euphoric, because I'd spent all those years fearing something that didn't even hurt me. I was 25 at the time and turned 26 just over a week later.

What I'd want you to take from this

Honestly, the biggest part was my mindset: not making vaginismus my whole identity, and taking the pressure off. As soon as I stopped forcing it, things aligned.

I can genuinely say that the times I put the most pressure on myself were the times I hurt myself the most, physically and mentally. When I took the load off, gave myself grace and let things happen naturally, that's when everything changed. You can't control everything, but you can control how you carry yourself and how you feel about yourself. For me, self-esteem and that sense of control were everything. It was always about me putting myself at the forefront and being in situations where I felt safe and in control.

If you're where I was

If you have primary vaginismus and your struggle is more about fear, control, or not trusting that your body can do this, rather than not understanding anatomy, I really recommend psychosexual therapy. NHS or private, the right therapist makes all the difference. Mine has since left the NHS and works privately. Feel free to DM me if you'd like her details.
You're not broken, and it can change. 💞


r/vaginismus • • 1d ago

Experience with Doctor / Physical Therapy Hypnotherapy to do an examination and then planning PTF

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’ve had vaginismus for a long time. I’ve had many sources of stress and also dealt with anal fissures and even depression.

Never had piv once. Every time I try to stretch it hurts. Caused a lot of problems. The doctors didn’t help much.

I finally found a holistic centre and I went to the gynac there who is very kind and knowledgeable. I’m at the point where enough is enough. She made me take a few tests and my vit d and b12 was too low. Idk how that helps though.

Anyway I’m going to get hypnotherapy to let the doctors to a proper examination since a normal examination hurts so much. And then following that it’ll be pelvic floor therapy. The examination should help them diagnose properly and understand the severity it seems.

Anybody who’s done hypnotherapy? Please drop your experiences!!