Vaginismus is a condition where the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina involuntarily spasm. This makes penetration of any kind painful, difficult or seemingly impossible. There tends to be a fear component as well. Searching for the reason you have vaginismus is usually pointless. What’s not pointless is getting treatment because it’s very treatable. It …
Continue ReadingCan you be sedated for a Pap smear?
Let’s be honest. No one enjoys getting a Pap smear. Or a pelvic exam. They can be uncomfortable at best, and at worst resemble a form of torture. Many women experience intense pelvic pain with any kind of penetration, and for this group of gals – just the thought of a speculum can ignite a …
Continue ReadingTensing Your Body During Sex
It seems that part of having an orgasm for many women is tightening up their pelvic muscles. This is yet another example of one of those things that women do which they think is “weird.” Most women whom I’ve spoken with give me one of their “oh-my-g-d-you’re-not-going-to-believe-me” looks when they admit that they need to …
Continue ReadingVaginismus Success Story: A Patient’s Perspective
After working with women with vaginismus for almost 15 years, I have learned how isolating and alone this condition can make one feel. Women struggle with this secret and it takes tremendous courage to reach out and seek treatment. I’d like to share a recent success story of a patient of mine who faced her …
Continue ReadingGGG: Good, Giving, Game – Aren’t we All?
A young female patient of mine has started head first into the world of online dating. Besides the usual ups and downs of navigating that ever-changing landscape, she also had some questions and confusion on what some of the terms individuals use to describe themselves (in her case she is interested in heterosexual men). She …
Continue Reading