Early Signs Of Vaginismus

Prudence
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Many women struggle with these uncomfortable sensations without realising they might be experiencing early signs of vaginismus. I see women every day at my women's health physiotherapy practice in Richmond, who come in unsure of what's happening or why they're experiencing discomfort or pain.

So let's talk about vaginismus openly—it's often misunderstood or overlooked completely. Simply put, vaginismus is an involuntary tightening or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, making vaginal penetration incredibly uncomfortable or even impossible.

Is discomfort or pain during penetration normal?

No, it’s definitely not normal, but it’s more common than you'd think. Many women I've helped have told me about the sharp, burning, or stinging sensation they feel when trying to insert tampons, undergoing pelvic exams, or during intimacy. They often describe the sensation as feeling "blocked" or like hitting an invisible wall. This was exactly how I felt when I first experienced vaginismus personally—completely confused and frustrated. If this sounds like you, it could be one of the early signs of vaginismus.

Do you feel anxious or fearful about penetration?

Anxiety around penetration isn't often discussed openly, yet it's extremely common. I've found, both personally and through many conversations with my clients, that anxiety can be both a cause and a symptom of vaginismus. You might find yourself tensing up even before anything happens, anticipating pain because of past experiences. This anxiety can make your muscles tighten even more, creating a vicious cycle.

If you're relating to this, reach out and have a chat with me or my team. Acknowledging the anxiety is a huge first step toward overcoming vaginismus.

Have you been avoiding intimacy or medical exams?

Avoidance is something I’ve personally struggled with and frequently hear from my clients. You might be skipping medical check-ups or avoiding intimate relationships altogether. Avoidance feels like it protects you, but it actually reinforces the fear. Many women who’ve never had penetrative sex, but experience pain with tampons or self-exploration, find themselves wondering if this is normal it isn't. I often tell my clients that even without having had penetrative sex, experiencing this level of pain indicates vaginismus.

There's a great resource on vaginismus symptoms from the NHS website that explains this clearly.

Do you have a persistent fear of pain?

Fear can be incredibly powerful. It can convince you to avoid things altogether to escape discomfort. Many women I speak to describe an overwhelming dread of potential pain, sometimes even just thinking about intimacy or medical procedures. Overcoming this fear requires professional support. I’ve seen great success helping women work through their fears using tailored pelvic floor physiotherapy programs available at our Richmond clinic.

Could past negative experiences be affecting you?

It's also possible previous unpleasant experiences like a painful pelvic exam or uncomfortable sexual encounter could be affecting your body’s response today. Trauma doesn't need to be severe to affect your body's reactions. Even minor negative experiences can cause subconscious tension. In fact, many women I've worked with aren't immediately aware that these experiences impacted them until we talk through it during their physiotherapy sessions.

If you think past experiences might be a factor, you can explore some detailed information from Cleveland Clinic, which explains how past experiences influence vaginismus.

What can you do if you're experiencing these signs?

The first step I recommend is acknowledging what you're feeling without shame or embarrassment. It's a real condition, not something you've imagined. Then, seek professional support. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is incredibly effective in helping women overcome vaginismus.

At Day One Physio, my approach is gentle and respectful. I create an environment where you feel safe and supported. We'll work together using progressive muscle relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and gradual, controlled muscle training. You won't be rushed or pushed beyond your comfort zone.

You're not alone in this experience

One comforting thought I'd love you to hold onto is that you're not alone. Women often feel isolated when experiencing these symptoms, but so many others feel the same. Just knowing you're supported by professionals who've personally experienced or deeply understand your situation can be incredibly comforting. Our experienced physios have helped countless women reclaim their comfort and confidence.

So, if this article has resonated with you, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help, every step of the way.