Experiencing Tears with Vaginismus?
I am a 22-year-old woman, standing at 5’5 and weighing 110 lbs. I have been officially diagnosed with vaginismus by both my primary care physician and a pelvic floor physical therapist. For about a month now, I’ve been undergoing treatment with a pelvic floor specialist. Currently, I find myself abroad for my studies, which limits my access to my regular healthcare providers. While there is a nurse available on-site, I’ll reach out to them if my situation requires it. Following the guidance from my physical therapist, I have been utilizing medical-grade silicone dilators. Unfortunately, I’ve struggled with the first dilator for an entire month. I recently attempted to progress to the second one. While I managed to insert it fully, the experience was quite painful and challenging. Consequently, I now have a minor tear at the perineum, near the vaginal opening. Is this tearing a typical occurrence associated with vaginismus, or could it indicate a different underlying issue? Since I am not sexually active, I am uncertain whether similar issues might arise with other forms of penetration. What suggestions can you provide for managing this situation while I am still here, before I resume my pelvic floor therapy sessions in the fall?
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 1:30:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about experiencing pain and tearing during your treatment for vaginismus, especially while studying abroad and managing limited access to regular healthcare. Here’s what you need to know and some steps to help you through this situation.
Main Points
- Minor tearing can occur during the use of dilators, especially when there's pain involved.
- Pain and discomfort using dilators are common in vaginismus, but you can take steps to promote healing and improve your experience.
Explanation
Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which can make penetration painful or difficult. This can lead to tearing, especially if the dilators are used with excessive force or without adequate relaxation and lubrication. It's essential to prioritize your comfort and healing while managing this.
The tear at the perineum may be typical in this context, particularly if you were experiencing discomfort while using the dilator. However, if the pain worsens or you notice increased bleeding, it may indicate that your body needs more time to adjust or heal.
Next Steps
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Rest and Allow Healing: Give your body time to heal from the minor tear. Avoid using the dilators for a few days until the area feels more comfortable.
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Use Gentle Lubrication: When you resume using the dilators, ensure you have ample lubrication. A water-based lubricant can help reduce friction and discomfort during insertion.
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Relaxation Techniques: Focus on relaxation before and during the use of the dilators. Deep breathing, gentle stretching, or pelvic floor relaxation exercises can be beneficial.
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Gradual Progression: If the first dilator is still uncomfortable, continue to use it at your own pace. Use it alongside techniques from your pelvic floor specialist to help desensitize and relax the muscles.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including pain or discomfort and the healing of the tear. This will be helpful information when you return to your pelvic floor therapist.
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Communicate with Available Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the nurse or any on-site medical professional for guidance, especially if you experience severe pain or additional tearing.
Remember, you're on a healing journey, and it's important to listen to your body. Rest and self-compassion are key at this stage. If you feel comfortable, once you’re back to your regular therapy sessions, discuss your experiences with your healthcare provider for personalized adjustments to your treatment plan. Take care!
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