In a recent post, Bosox2004 asked an excellent pre-procedure question:
4. What if this DOES work for me physically but I can’t get past the mental issues I have that have been caused by this?
Dr. Pacik has written a lot on the benefits of post-procedure counseling. I would encourage you to read this excellent article:
http://www.vaginismusmd.com/vaginismus/other-treatments/vaginismus-treatment-and-counselin/
Excerpts from the article include:
“Sexuality is central to one’s personal identity; pain of any kind experienced during sexuality affects self-identity. After physical pain has stopped and normal physiological function can begin, lack of positive sexual experience, self -esteem issues, and awkward or scary feelings inhibiting sexuality do not necessarily disappear along with the pain. Women with vaginismus and their partners often experience anxiety, depression, deep feelings of rejection, doubt in themselves and in the relationship, guilt, and lack of trust. A qualified sexuality counselor with additional current information on vaginismus treatment is very helpful to healing the woman, her partner, and their relationship…”
Dr. Pacik always states “you have to catch up emotionally to where you are physically.” Is there anything in particular that has helped you to do this that you could recommend to future patients reading this right now?