Question

I experienced childhood sexual trauma (oral abuse) and now struggle with vaginismus causing painful intercourse, despite the abuse not involving vaginal penetration. This has caused some issues in my relationship as we want children one day but I cannot handle vaginal sex. Pelvic floor exercises and dilators have provided minimal help. Why might I have vaginismus given the nature of my trauma, and how can I manage its effects?

Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We appreciate you reaching out and want to acknowledge the progress you've already made—this is a huge accomplishment. Your question addresses issues that many survivors face but often struggle to share with professionals, so we're grateful for your vulnerability and trust in us.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that trauma responses, including vaginismus, can manifest in complex ways that aren't always directly linked to the specific type of abuse experienced. Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that can make vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. While it's often associated with sexual trauma involving vaginal penetration, your experience demonstrates that this isn't always the case.

The mind-body connection in trauma responses is intricate. Your body may be responding protectively to intimate situations in general, not just to the exact form of abuse you experienced. This protective response can extend to various aspects of physical and emotional intimacy, which explains why you might be experiencing vaginismus despite your trauma not involving vaginal penetration.

Managing vaginismus often requires a multifaceted approach, and it sounds like you have already tried some of these strategies. While everyone's body is different, here's a menu of options you can consider:

1. Professional help: If you haven't already, consider working with a trauma-informed pelvic floor physical therapist and a sex therapist who specializes in sexual trauma. They can provide tailored treatments and coping strategies that address both the physical and emotional aspects of vaginismus.

2. Open communication: Continue to have open, honest conversations with your partner about your experiences, feelings, and needs. This can help maintain intimacy and understanding in your relationship, especially as you navigate the challenges of family planning.

3. Explore non-penetrative intimacy: There are many ways to be intimate and express love that don't involve penetration. This can help maintain your connection while working on healing.

4. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help reduce anxiety and tension associated with intimacy. Your therapist can guide you through specific exercises tailored to your needs.

5. Paced approach: While you mentioned that pelvic floor exercises and dilators have provided minimal help so far, it's worth noting that these techniques often require time and consistent practice to show results. Work with your healthcare providers to establish a paced approach that feels comfortable for you.

6. Alternative family planning options: Given your desire for children, it may be helpful to discuss options like IVF or surrogacy with your partner and healthcare providers. These alternatives can allow you to build your family while continuing to work on your healing journey.

Additionally, there are some home-based methods to attempt conception without vaginal penetration, though their effectiveness can vary. This includes  Intravaginal insemination (IVI) using a sterile syringe or cervical cap and at-home insemination kits. These methods may be less invasive but still require careful timing with ovulation. Consult a healthcare provider before attempting any of these options to ensure safety and improve chances of success. They can provide guidance on proper techniques, timing, and any potential risks or considerations specific to your situation.

For others reading this who may be experiencing similar issues, it's important to remember that vaginismus and other intimacy challenges following sexual trauma are not uncommon. If you're struggling with these issues, we encourage you to seek professional help from trauma-informed specialists. Be patient with yourself; healing is not linear. Communicate openly with your partner(s) about your needs and boundaries, and remember that your experiences and feelings are valid.

While the road to recovery can be challenging, many survivors have found ways to manage vaginismus. With the right support and resources, healing is possible. Thank you for reaching out to us, and while we could not provide a concrete solution, we hope this gives you more tools to try as you navigate this. You are not alone.