Vaginismus

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for a little support I guess. I'm pretty sure I have vaginismus, and I was wondering if anyone in this community has been successfully treated for this condition.

I just feel so abnormal; I want sex to feel good. I've only had actual sex like twice in my life, so maybe I'm just being silly, but I've tried on numerous occassions. It's rarely with the same guy, so maybe that is my problem.

Comments

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

First off, a lot of people have vaginismus on VP. There's also the community vaginismus that may be helpful to you?

If you think the issue may be different partners -- can you describe a bit more the symptoms you're experiencing? Maybe we can help.

[stariiangel.livejournal.com]

I agree that you should describe your symptoms a bit more. Is any type of penetration possible (i.e. tampon, finger, toy, etc?), or is it just when you attempt sex?

Also, have you been to a doctor to discuss your concerns? Other things can certain cause painful intercourse, so it would be good to consider other alternatives as well.

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

It just takes a really long time for me to relax enough for penetration. Then, if it doesn't hurt like hell, it just feels kinda blah. A lot of the guys I've dated in the past couple years haven't stuck around long enough for me to relax with them. It usually doesn't even feel that great when I masturbate and I have trouble with tampons. I've only used tampons twice and that was just a couple weeks ago! I have a phobia of the inside of the body and a pain phobia, which I'm sure has something to do with it all!

Also, I still have yet to get thru a PAP smear. My GP and I have tried twice, with 10mg of valium and a pediatric speculum, but still can't get it done. She used her finger to do an exam and said there is a little bit of extra flesh that might be causing the pain (i.e. the speculum gets caught), then I tense up which makes it worse.

[stariiangel.livejournal.com]

Given that you have these phobias of things inside the body, it could very well be a psychological reaction that makes your muscles spasm.

My first piece of advice would still be to talk to your doctor - she might be able to refer you to a gynocologist who specializes in pain (I see one now). She may also be able to perform the "q-tip" test - which essentially involves touching various locations around the vagina and noting whether any areas are more painful than others.

Chronic yeast infections can also make intercourse rather painful/uncomfortable, so if your doc can take even a small sample during a pap smear, they may be able to test for this.

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

I've got an appointment with a gynochologist and I will ask her about the q-tip test. Thanks for the suggestions!

Can they screen for YI in urine samples? I'm getting scanned for STD's and stuff this week, so maybe they can do it then.

[thisandthat.livejournal.com]

One of my good friends has vaginismus and I know that having the same partner, who is very understanding and willing to work with her, has been super helpful. She also sees a physical therapist for it, though I've never asked exactly what exercises they do, I can see this possibly being really helpful.

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

Thank you, that is very encouraging to hear :) I've realized it's not something I can deal with in a healthy way if I'm ALSO trying to adjust to a new partner at the same time!

[pinkdramon.livejournal.com]

Self-treatment can work for some folks but... not always. Or it takes too long and you get stuck somewhere...

To the OP: If indeed vaginismus this be, Physical Therapy is awesome for that. It might not be easy to find someone trained on how to do it for vaginismus though :x

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

Hopefully my gyno will be able to figure out if I have Primary or Secondary, or anyhting at all! I had a bad experience as a child which may be the cause of my fear. My sister had been abused, so I had to go in for an exam to see if I had been abused. It hurt a lot and the doctor couldn't finish the exam.

The pain is only with penetration and only because I'm so tight, usually. Sometimes it burns but I think I've figured out what that is, and my gyno should be able to solve that.

Are you seeing a doctor who specializes in vaginismus? When were you diagnosed? I looked at vaginismus.com and it seems like the best advice they have to give is "Buy our products!" haha