Navigating Life with Vaginismus
August 4, 2023
Menopause and Painful Intercourse Treatment
I have a dry vagina...
Intercourse is no longer possible...
Sex hurts...
I am dating again but my vagina seems closed up...
My doctor does not have an answer to these problems...
The declining estrogen levels from menopause onward have a profound effect on the vagina, making it thinner, less elastic, drier, less acidic (pH levels above 5), and thus more prone to chafing irritation, infections, and bleeding. The urinary tract, which lies parallel to the vagina, is also estrogen-dependent and will also become symptomatic by way of increased frequency & urgency, and burning upon urination. The current medical term for this condition is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
Our specialized menopause and painful intercourse treatment program for secondary (menopausal) vaginismus and dyspareunia can help you:
Our experts will carefully assess your limitations and will tailor a treatment for painful intercourse during menopause plan specific to your needs
We will restore all vaginal penetrations (the hands-on aspect of the treatment)
We will address vaginal and urological health
We offer sexual counseling and/or sex therapy
Emotional support is always included
We are available if you want us to counseling you and your partner
The course of treatment is relatively short – about 4-7 sessions – and the outcome is positive (read the testimonials, below)
The menopause and painful intercourse treatment is typically covered by insurance — read our Insurance page for details
There is help even if you live far away: we will design a treatment program if you are willing to travel to us a few times, including an overnight stay. Contact us for more details.
Testimonials:
“My vagina had become dry and lost all elasticity; I wanted to reclaim it*”
“As I entered menopause, sexual intercourse became progressively more uncomfortable*”
“You have transformed my life and marriage!*”
More about menopause:
Not all women will enter menopause the ‘natural‘ way; some may get into menopause
Surgically, the result of the removal of both ovaries (Oophorectomy) that is often a component of total hysterectomy, or
Induced, the results of certain medications that stop ovarian (estrogen) production, such as Lupron that is used for the treatment of Endometriosis, or chemotherapy drugs such as tamoxifen that are used to treat breast cancer, or
As a result of pelvic/vaginal radiation for female cancer
The functional outcome of the menopausal changes include
Feeling dry, pinchy, chafe
The genital lips may ‘stick together’
Insufficient natural lubrication
Intercourse is progressively uncomfortable/painful (dyspareunia)
Intercourse is no longer possible (secondary vaginismus)
Gynecologic exams are progressively difficult or no longer possible (secondary vaginismus)
Urinary frequency and urgency — the lower 1/3 of the vagina and the urethra share a common wall that is equally affected
Emotional and relationship distress
For the single woman – doubts about dating: “who would want me without intercourse?”
Loss of sexual interest (libido) – who wants pain when sex should be fun and pleasurable?
Other factors may compound the problem:
Dry indoor heat in cold climates
Insufficient hydration (drinking)
The drying effect of certain medications such as anti-anxiety, anti-depression, antibiotics, anti-fungal (for vaginal infections), allergy
Excessive hygiene, including hot water on the genitals
Prolonged disuse (no partner for intercourse)
The good news is that a sound restorative program should allow most menopausal and postmenopausal women to regain vaginal functions with little or no disruption. You can liken the aging vagina to an old baseball glove that needs oil rubbed in to restore its shape, softness, elasticity, and function.
Vaginal estrogen replacement is a key player in the restorative process and – unless medically contraindicated – is highly recommended for long lasting best results. Note: this estrogen replacement is to be continued for life unless otherwise instructed by your clinician.
Sadly, medical and public awareness about the menopausal & postmenopausal vagina is still poor, forcing women to accept the limitations as inevitable, to suffer in silence, and to experience relationship tensions or breakdowns.
Learn about our proprietary treatment for menopausal sexual pain, the DiRoss Methodologysm
We hope that you will not only take care of your vagina during these life phases but also share this webpage with your friends and healthcare provider/s — spread the word!
Contact us for further information, or to schedule an appointment.
Understanding and Overcoming Secondary Vaginismus
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The Limitations of Vaginismus Self-Treatment
February 16, 2023
Can Vaginismus Be Cured? Yes, It Can, and Here is How
January 25, 2023
Coping with Vaginismus: Navigating the Road to Recovery
January 13, 2023
