Tag Archives: Anxiety
Un-dreading the Dreaded GYN exam
A touching thread on the VaginismusMD Forum discussed the dreaded GYN exam. It is well known that most vaginismus patients are terrified of not only having a GYN exam but also about thinking of one. A patient with an eight-year history … Continue reading
Transitioning to intercourse: Communication and Control
When the moment arrives Control issues are so important when attempting to transition from dilators to intercourse. This is an overwhelming moment for most vaginismus patients, a moment in time that is feared. For the vaginismus sufferer, it is monumental … Continue reading
What Causes Severe Vaginismus?
General Causes of Vaginismus Sexual molestation For vaginismus in general, the causes are unknown. It is thought that sexual molestation may play a role however there continue to be mixed feelings about this in the literature. While it may be … Continue reading
Why the Stories are so Important
Women who suffer from vaginismus feel alone, isolated, broken, desperate and depressed. While each of these women is unique, their stories share similar themes. They are in unconsummated relationships on the verge of unraveling. They are unable to bear children. … Continue reading
The Role of Anxiety in the Vaginismus Sufferer
Anxiety is a very important factor in vaginismus sufferers. Though pain scores to penetration are generally emphasized, reduction of anxiety is a key factor to achieving one’s goals. Anxiety in women suffering from vaginismus is usually very high. Because each … Continue reading
Is Biofeedback Helpful to Vaginismus Sufferers
Biofeedback teaches patients how to lessen pelvic floor tension. It can be valuable in the less severe patients with vaginismus, but requires a probe in the pelvic area that may make the more severe cases of vaginismus uncomfortable. Therefore, it … Continue reading
Importance of GYN exam
A patient treated successfully for severe vaginismus writes: “My mom was diagnosed with Stage III B Cervical CA and will receive radiation and chemotherapy. She is supposed to start off with radiation 5 days a week for 5 to 6 … Continue reading
Dilators: When Holding Steady is Falling Behind
Anxiety provoking aspects of vaginismus The three most anxiety producing aspects of severe vaginismus appear to be the thoughts of intercourse, GYN exams and the use of dilators. I have had patients almost decide not to have the Botox treatment … Continue reading
Anxiety and Low Desire
Women with low levels of sexual desire often have high levels of anxiety I often hear from the vaginismus sufferers that they have a low desire for sex. I have felt for a long time that there may be a … Continue reading
Vaginismus and Anxiety
How does treatment with Botox help anxiety in vaginismus patients? Most of my blogs are the direct result of conversations with patients. Today, in a Skype interview a prospective patient asked how treatment of her vaginismus with the Botox program … Continue reading