ABOUT VAGINISMUS

Q: What is Vaginismus?

A: Vaginismus is vaginal tightness causing discomfort, burning, pain, penetration problems, or complete inability to have penetrative intercourse.

The vaginal tightness results from the involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor, especially the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle group, although the person with Vaginismus may not be aware that this is the cause of his or her penetration or pain difficulties.

Vaginismus is a common cause of ongoing sexual pain and is also the primary female cause of sexless (known as “traditionally unconsummated”) marriages. Sexual pain can affect those in all stages of life; even those who have had years of comfortable sex. While temporarily experiencing discomfort during sexual intercourse is not unusual, ongoing problems should be diagnosed and treated.

It is said that 1 in 500 women have vaginismus and they believe the number is higher due to being unreported cases.

Q: How do I know if I have it?

A: Here are some common symptoms of vaginismus:

• Burning or stinging with tightness during sex
• Difficult or impossible penetration, entry pain, uncomfortable insertion of penis, finger, tampon, speculum, or other
• Feeling as if you’re “hitting a wall”
• “Traditionally unconsummated” marriage
• Ongoing sexual discomfort or pain following childbirth, yeast/urinary infections, STDs, IC, hysterectomy, cancer and surgeries, rape, menopause, or other issues
• Ongoing sexual pain of unknown origin, with no apparent cause
• Spasms in other body muscle groups (legs, lower back, etc.) and/or halted breathing during attempts at intercourse
• Avoidance of sex due to pain and/or failure to be penetrated

Q: Can Vaginismus be cured?

A: Absolutely! Vaginismus is considered one of the most successfully treatable female sexual disorders. Many studies have shown treatment success rates approaching nearly 100%. So what are you waiting for? Get to your gynecologist and if within your budget, a pelvic floor specialist and start your journey towards treatment!

Q: How do I cure my Vaginismus?

A: NOTE: We are not doctors and we cannot diagnose or treat those with vaginismus. We can only share what science and personal anecdotes say. With that being said, pelvic floor therapy, physiotherapy, and working with vaginal dilators seem to be most effective at treating Vaginismus.

Q: I’ve had pain during intercourse for years. Is it too late for me to be cured?

A: Absolutely not! Like stated before, pelvic floor therapy, physiotherapy, and working with vaginal dilators is the most successful treatment of vaginismus and they can work anytime, whether you’ve had the condition for years or just developed it (secondary vaginismus).

Q: I’m ashamed of my condition. How can I overcome that?

A: First of all, congratulations on recognizing your shame. This is a great first step! Only by recognizing it can you alleviate it.

In order to banish shame, first understand that you’re not alone. (That is the primary objective of this project!) Second, understand that it is 100% treatable. Third, if within your budget, a good sex therapist is worth their weight in gold. There are great therapists out there who do online and in-person visits, depending on your needs. And finally, face your fears. Many of those with vaginismus are deathly afraid of anything even approaching their vaginas. That’s normal when you’re dealing with pain! Practice deep breathing and take it one step at a time. It’s totally doable and we’re rooting for you!

ABOUT FACES OF VAGINISMUS

Q: What is the goal of Faces of Vaginismus?

A: We want those with vaginismus to not feel alone, ashamed, or “defective” for having this condition. It can be a very isolating and disheartening journey and we want to make it as painless as possible (pun intended, ha)! But in all seriousness, we want people to know above all that they’re normal! This is a common condition ranging from 1 in 100 to 1 in 16 women. (Waiting on research in regards to intersex and transgender folks, unfortunately.)

We also want to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition. No, “just relaxing” or “having a glass of wine” won’t help. (Thanks for dismissing our problems offhand like that, random internet strangers and doctors! Now we’re cured!) This is a real condition with real people suffering from it. Shame is the #1 reason those with vaginismus do not seek help. This is a problem! If we can get people talking about the condition, this opens it up to a more comforting, supportive environment, which is vitally important.

Q: Who is the creator of this project?

A: A young woman with vaginismus named Candace H created this project. Learn more by visiting the About page.

Q: What kind of picture should I submit?

A: A high res photo of your face is preferred, but any picture of your face in which you feel sexy and confident will work perfectly!

Q: Do I have to submit a picture of my face?

A: While we’d prefer it’s a picture of your face (this is Faces of Vaginismus, after all!), if you’d feel more comfortable, your photo can obscure your face. Get creative with it! Cover your face with your favorite book, sunglasses, your hands, whatever you have on hand! This is proof to the world that you are not ashamed of your vaginismus. Make sure you feel confident and dare I say it? Sexy! Let your beautiful self shine!

Q: Do you publish names? I don’t want my name to be shared.

A: We never post names on the blog for anonymity. We know this is a sensitive and deeply personal topic and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. At most, we will post the first letter of your name, your age, and where you’re from should you choose to provide it. If not, we will just state that you are an Anonymous Beautiful Person.

Q: Do I have to be cured to submit?

A: Nope! This project is for all those on their vaginismus journey. Whether you’ve had it for years, just developed it (secondary vaginismus), are able to use dilator #1 or #6, or are happily cured, we want to hear from you!

Q: Do I have to be biologically female to submit?

A: No, you do not! We enthusiastically invite nonbinary, intersex, female to male, male to female persons to submit, as well! While there is little research on intersex and transgender folks with the condition, we understand that if you have a vagina, no matter if you were born with it or not, you can have vaginismus. Therefore if you have vaginismus, we want to hear from you!

Q: Do you take submissions from partners of those with vaginismus?

A: Not at this time. But check the Resources page to see some resources for partners!

Q: How do I submit my photo and story?

A: Email your fav high res photo and vaginismus journey to FacesofVaginismus [at] gmail.com! Don’t forget to include the first letter of your name, age, and location should you feel comfortable sharing! If not, we will just state that you are an Anonymous Beautiful Person.

Q: How can I learn more about Faces of Vaginismus?

Shoot us an email anytime at FacesofVaginismus [at] gmail.com! We will respond within 24 hours.