Even female doctors suffer with vaginismus
Yes, even doctors can have Vaginismus. A recent GP client of mine consulted for vaginismus. She thought it was a physical problem until The Vaginismus-Free Programme helped her to recognise that it was caused by psychological and emotional factors. She is now able to enjoy sex for the first time. Below is her story...
I contacted Cara as I had vaginismus and was getting increasingly frustrated as I did not feel I was making any progress with it, despite regular reviews with a (very good, very kind and very patient) gynaecologist and trying to regularly use dilators. I felt I had reached a roadblock and I genuinely did not know whether it would be something I would be able to overcome.
I knew no matter how supportive my husband was, this would inevitably have ramifications upon our relationship and marriage. In fact, it already had. As a GP, I had spent a long time thinking that perhaps there was a physical cause for this. However I also felt like this was a ‘catch 22’ situation because I did not feel comfortable enough to go for an examination. After reading a lot about vaginismus, other people’s experiences, I had to accept that my symptoms mirrored others, and that this was a psychosexual condition which I would need to overcome. After an initial review with a gynaecologist, I tried to use dilators as explained, however I felt I was making little progress. 8 months had passed and I still had not progressed to the third dilator.
I then decided to try other options, and contacted Cara regarding the Vaginismus-Free programme. This was difficult for me - as a medic I try to be pragmatic about things, and dilating made more sense to me than thinking about other cognitive therapies which could help. I could understand that if we were able to gradually insert wider objects, our brain would process pain pathways differently and muscles would relax. However, I was not convinced having regular ‘talking’ sessions with someone could help.
My outlook changed after my first consultation with Cara. I realised not only would this programme likely help me with vaginismus, but with other aspects of my life.
Vaginismus-Free enabled me to look at myself, my strengths, my weaknesses, my self-confidence, and my perceptions of things. I realised how much I had avoided addressing vaginismus previously -I had initially pretended there was not an issue, then I was too worried to order any dilators, then to book an appointment with a gynaecologist. I would look for excuses to avoid dilating or to dilate for less time. It was also something that I thought about as a ‘chore’ rather than a positive step forwards to having successful penetrative sex. I realised the importance of reinforcing to myself any positive steps (or even thoughts) I had taken, rather than putting myself down if I did not feel I had made progress.
Six months later, my husband and I were able to have successful penetrative sex, and we still are! The programme also helped me in lots of other aspects -my work, friendships and my general outlook in things. I would highly recommended this programme.
Cara was absolutely fantastic - very patient, enthusiastic, and also questioned me whenever she felt my thought processes may be deleterious!”
Even Doctors can have Vaginismus - By GP DR Fiona and Cara Ostryn Bsc
