Vaginismus: What you need to know

At Care Fertility, we are dedicated to making family possible for everybody. Part of this mission involves addressing various conditions that can impact your fertility journey. Vaginismus is one such condition that we approach with compassion, expertise, and personalised care.

What is vaginismus? 
Vaginismus occurs when the muscles around the vagina involuntarily contract, making penetration painful or even impossible. This can affect sexual intercourse, gynaecological exams, and even tampon use. 

Symptoms of vaginismus 
The primary symptom of vaginismus is difficulty with vaginal penetration. Additional symptoms may include: 

• Burning or stinging pain during attempted penetration 

• Tightening or clenching of the pelvic muscles 

• Anxiety and fear related to vaginal penetration 

What causes vaginismus? 
The causes of vaginismus can vary and often include a combination of physical and emotional factors: 

• Physical factors: Infections, hormonal changes, childbirth, or menopause. 

• Emotional factors: Fear of pain, past trauma, anxiety, or relationship issues. 

Treatment options for vaginismus 
Vaginismus is a treatable condition, and your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist or psychologist to help you overcome vaginismus. Here are some common treatments: 

• Pelvic floor therapy: Working with a specialist to learn exercises that help control and relax the pelvic floor muscles. 

• Counselling: Therapy can address any underlying psychological factors, such as fear or anxiety. 

• Gradual desensitisation: Using vaginal dilators of increasing size to gradually get accustomed to penetration. 

• Medication: In some cases, topical anaesthetics or muscle relaxants may be prescribed. 

Fertility and vaginismus

How vaginismus affects fertility 
Vaginismus can pose challenges for couples trying to conceive. The pain and difficulty associated with vaginal penetration can make natural conception difficult. However, it is important to note that vaginismus does not affect the ability to produce healthy eggs. Fertility treatments can often provide a viable path to parenthood. 

Fertility treatment options for patients with vaginismus 
At Care Fertility, we offer a range of fertility treatments tailored to meet the needs of patients with vaginismus: 

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This procedure involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the need for vaginal penetration. 

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF):  IVF involves retrieving eggs directly from the ovaries, fertilising them in the lab, and then transferring the embryos to the uterus. This process can often be done without the need for vaginal intercourse. 

• Counselling and Support: Our team includes counsellors who specialise in helping patients manage the emotional and psychological aspects of vaginismus and fertility treatment. 

Why choose Care Fertility for vaginismus and fertility treatments? 
We are the UK’s fertility experts, and our team is dedicated to offering compassionate, personalised care to help you overcome vaginismus and achieve your fertility goals. We believe in listening to our patients and creating a safe space where you feel heard and understood. 

Living with vaginismus 
Living with vaginismus can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. At Care Fertility, we understand the emotional toll this condition can take and are committed to providing support every step of the way. 

Take the next step 
If you’re experiencing symptoms of vaginismus, and are trying to conceive, we encourage you to reach out to us. Whilst we do not provide treatment for vaginismus, our caring and professional team is here to help you to find the best path forward if you are considering fertility treatment. 

Contact us today 
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch. We are here to support you on your journey to better health and fertility.