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Vaginismus

Whether you’re struggling to have penetrative sex or want to be able to use a tampon or get a pelvic exam without pain, we're so glad you're here. Our PTs have helped hundreds of patients address vaginal pain and feel better in their bodies.

You might worry that treatment will be awkward, but we’re experts in making you feel comfortable, whether you see us in person or via ultra-convenient virtual visits.

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The Origin Way

Mind + Body Healing

Understand Your Condition

Your PT will take the time to learn about your pain and whether it might be associated with an event (childbirth, menopause, trauma) or due to a hyperactive pelvic floor. They’ll also want to hear your goals and concerns. There’s no such thing as TMI!

Work 1:1 With A Physical Therapist

Your treatment plan will be personalized to your symptoms, circumstances, and goals. It may include:

Manual therapy to relieve tissue pain and tension
Regaining awareness of your pelvic floor
Breathing and other tension-relieving techniques
Vaginal dilators/trainers

Go At Your Own Pace

Origin PTs provide trauma-informed care — you can expect compassion and unwavering support at every step of your journey. On average, treatment requires 20 weekly visits.

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Common & Treatable

Research shows that 45% of patients who see a PT for vaginismus report improvement in symptoms.

"I'm so sick of using pads during my period."

"I don’t even want to be touched."

"I'm too scared to go to the gynecologist."

Source: Flynn KE, et al. Assessment of vulvar discomfort with sexual activity among women in the United States. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017.

Vaginismus FAQs

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor that surround the vagina, opening are unable to relax. This can make inserting a tampon, gynecological exams or penetrative sex very painful. Primary vaginismus occurs when the pain has always been present, while secondary vaginismus can develop following a specific event like trauma, infection, or menopause.

What causes pain with penetration?

Pain with vaginal penetration is most often due to dysfunction in the tissue or muscles that surround the vaginal opening. Inadequate lubrication can lead to dryness and irritation of the vaginal canal, while spasms in the pelvic floor muscle layers can decrease the size of the vaginal opening making penetration painful or impossible.

How long does it take to reduce pain with penetration?

Depending on the source of the pain, symptoms can improve with pelvic floor physical therapy within weeks or months. Since the pelvic floor muscles may be in spasm for years before discovery, as in the case of primary vaginismus, it can take as many as 20 weekly visits to retrain and lengthen the pelvic floor.

Related Conditions

Dyspareunia

Interstitial Cystitis

Pudendal Neuralgia

Tailbone Pain (coccydynia)

Vulvodynia