10/13/2025
✨ What is Vaginismus?
It’s when the muscles around the vaginal opening tighten involuntarily, making pe*******on (tampons, s*x, pelvic exams) painful or even impossible. This is your body’s protective response, not something you’re “doing wrong.”
💡 Why does this happen?
Sometimes it’s linked to pain or trauma, but it can also develop without a clear reason, other diagnoses, hormones, and muscle restrictions. The mind and body are connected, fear, anxiety, or guarding patterns can all play a role.
🚩 Symptoms may include:
Pain or burning with pe*******on
Feeling like the muscles are “closing up”
Difficulty inserting tampons or completing pelvic exams
Ongoing anxiety around pe*******on
🌿 Treatment Options:
Pelvic Floor PT: Relax tight muscles, retrain your nervous system, and learn control with guided breathing, stretching, and hands-on care.
Desensitization: Gradual exposure, mindfulness, and sometimes talk therapy to help your body feel safe again.
Muscle Relaxation: Child’s pose, happy baby, butterfly stretch, or massage to surrounding muscles (abs, inner thighs, glutes, neck).
Medical Management: Medications can help beneficial like muscle relaxers, but always paired with PT for best results.
💬 The bottom line: Vaginismus is treatable. You are not broken, and you don’t have to live with pain.
📲 Ready to feel safe and comfortable in your body again? Book with us at Chicago Pelvic Health today, link in bio to schedule.
