Reply To: Vaginismus or not?

[Helen Leff, LCSW]

Hi lamomesel,
This can all be very confusing as there are varying degrees of “vaginismus”. For some women fear of penetration can be greater than pain associated with penetration. Some women are able to use tampons and cannot tolerate a gynecological exam. Some women will opt for the Botox procedure as the idea of inserting anything inside the vagina is too difficult, feels impossible etc. What is true for all women with vaginismus is that it can be overcome. So glad to hear that you have a supportive doctor and it sounds like you have a plan. The idea of dilation is to stretch and relax the muscles. When you have been able to work with a dilator that is slightly larger than your partner’s penis you will then hopefully have success with painfree penetrative sex.
Hope this information is helpful and stay in touch.
Helen