What the Heck is Vaginismus?

As people with vaginas, we need/use them for several things. Sex, periods, pelvic exams. In many of those examples, there is some kind of insertion involved, especially if you use tampons and get regular checkups. For us to be able to allow those things into our bodies, we need the muscles to open up, which can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with that insertion.

If you have vaginismus, your vagina will involuntarily tense at times of these insertions, making medical procedures, sex, and tampon placement difficult to impossible. 

Vaginismus Causes

People with vaginismus have no control over the muscles of the vagina – the reaction to the penetration is completely involuntary. It can develop at any time in a person’s life. Some potential factors that influence the development of vaginismus include:

• Past trauma or abuse

• Anxiety and emotional disorders

• Injuries from childbirth 

• Prior surgeries

It’s not known exactly how many women suffer from vaginismus. The Cleveland Clinic hypothesizes that many people with a vagina may be too embarrassed to discuss the disorder with their doctors. 

Treating Vaginismus

Vaginismus can have big effects on relationships, our own relationship with sex and our bodies, and on mental health. Treating vaginismus typically includes a multi-faceted approach to address all the factors that could contribute to vaginismus and the subsequent anxiety and stress it may cause.

Many who struggle with vaginismus work may work with their OB, a physical therapist, and mental health professional. Kegel exercises and work with vaginal dilators are also used regularly.

Living with vaginismus can feel isolating, and in a lot of cases with Eve Was Framed, we’re writing about and covering issues that affect women, but that we (Maggie and Stephanie) may not experience directly. We think it’s important to share the perspective of professionals and those who do experience these issues in conjunction with our coverage of what these disorders are. 

TikTok user Azia Mery posts videos about her experience with vaginismus and vulvodynia, how she’s worked to improve it, and she even started a company that creates dilators for those with the disorder. Also on TikTok, TheVagWhisperer shares some stretches that can also help with vaginismus.