Just diagnosed with Vaginismus

[SavannaK98]

Hello,

I’m Savannah. I’m 25 years old, and was just diagnosed with Vaginismus. I’m a little overwhelmed because I want to have sex but physically I can’t. Like I have normal sexual drives and can only do certain things. I took this more seriously and just went to get seen. My first exam with my gyno was about impossible. However I also started pelvic floor therapy to help and counseling. I just feel very deficient and abnormal because I’m 25 and can’t even get a tampon in, let alone a penis. I’m on this journey newly so if anyone has encouragement or anything as far as tips let me know. I just want to know it’ll get better. I’m supposed to get married soon and my partner is supportive but I just hate that I deal with this.

[Cathleen Kneidl, RPA-C]

Hi Savannah, welcome to the forum! I’m sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed, but you are in the right place. The first step is the diagnosis and knowing what is going on so that you can proceed with treatment. As you can see from this forum, there are many people who struggle with the same issues. And there are solutions. Hopefully you have found or can find a provider experienced in the treatment of vaginismus and set up a program that works for you. Do they have you working with dilators at PT?
Just know that you are not alone. Please keep us posted with your progress and let us know if you have any questions along the way.

[SavannaK98]

I haven’t been introduced to dilators but it has been brought up. I am bit nervous to introduce those, but have been researching.

[Sks823]

Hi SavannaK98,

The fact that you’ve seeked help and are on your journey of overcoming vaginismus is SUCH a huge step! I truly applaud you for taking that step to go to pelvic floor therapy to help and counseling. I hadn’t been able to put in a tampon before also – I had vaginismus for several years until 2016 (I was 23-24) when I went to Maze’s clinic in NYC and ‘graduated’ from the dilating program!

I think I was a very difficult case – like you, I couldn’t wear tampons from the pain/fear, and the thought of dilating with even the smallest dilator gave me immense fear. The physical portion of the first couple appointments were incredibly nerve-wracking; I was prescribed Xanax to take before each following appointment.

But I got through it in 2016 and if I could do it SO CAN YOU! I definitely had times when I thought I couldn’t go further but I powered through, knowing it would feel so amazing and fulfilling and clear sooooooo much mental energy to not have the ‘weight’ of vaginismus on my shoulders!

So looking forward to reading more about your journey and glad you have taken the first steps! I hope this gives you some inspiration 🙂