Has anyone else had Vaginismus? I have just been diagnosed with this last week and am finding it hard finding people who have had it and have recovered from it/ had no more issues from it. I had really bad pain down my legs to the point of not being able to walk or look after my baby. I also find it crazy that it occurs from muscles in the vagina tightening so much that it causes pain. Sex hasn't happened yet as I am scared of going there. I have talked to a couple of people about it but so far they have just laughed becasue essentually I am complaining about a tight vagina... which when I say it out loud it does sound weird. Anyway, has anyone else had this issue after childbirth?
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Yes, you are not alone, it's not only physically painful but it can also cause emotional/physiological pain so don't let anyone trivialise what your going through! it can also have a big impact on your relationship, being that sex is painful. But there is good news... It is possible to be pain free, as I have been for 10 years now. I have the occasional flare up that I control myself with pelvic floor excersises. The treatment is not a one size fits all. I'm my case I had a fantastic gynocologist and a physiotherapist for 'down there' plus saw a councillor for a little bit as it had greatly affected my attitude towards sex. The gyno put me on gabapentin which is generally used in epilepsy as a muscle relaxant and I worked with the physio for about a year, she taught me how to do pelvic floor and concentrate on the 'let go' to realese the muscles over time
So for you, first point of call I would suggest is find a gynocologist that has experience in the area (easier said then done) I went through a public hospital so most of my treatment was free (although wait times were a bitch) i would make enquiries at the hospital you gave birth at as their physios should be pretty experienced in the area. Can I ask where you live? If your in Perth I can recommend some people.
Good luck mumma. It's a long road but please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Also try to be as open as you can with your partner, his support could be make or break in the recovery. If he doesn't understand take him to an appointment of two so the experts can help!
Feel free to ask me any questions. It's also great that your talking to people about it, I'm not brave enough to put this on Facebook!