CLEANSE Intimate Wash
Scent:
A supportive guide
What causes vaginismus?
Vaginismus can make penetration painful or impossible. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options is an important first step toward feeling more comfortable and in control.
Explore supportive optionsCauses
Vaginismus is when the muscles around the opening of the vagina automatically contract and tense involuntarily. The condition can be very distressing and makes sexual intercourse and any kind of vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
Although the causes of vaginismus are usually psychological, they can also be physical. The condition may be caused by past negative experiences such as a bad sexual encounter, a difficult medical examination or procedure, or a painful medical condition such as thrush. A belief that sex is shameful or wrong can also lead to vaginismus.
Symptoms
Women with vaginismus feel a stinging or burning pain, caused by an involuntary muscle contraction, when an object such as a finger, tampon, penis or sex toy is inserted into the vagina. This can result in growing fear and anticipation of pain during vaginal penetration and avoidance of sexual intercourse.
How to treat vaginismus
Treatment for vaginismus seeks to identify the emotional or physical causes of the condition and deal with the resulting physical symptoms.
Treating the psychological causes
A specialized psychosexual therapist can help you identify, express and resolve feelings that contribute to your condition. They may suggest relaxation techniques that enable you to relax the vaginal muscles and overcome vaginismus.
Treating the physical symptoms
A therapist may encourage gentle touching exercises so that you become comfortable touching the area around the vagina and, eventually, with vaginal penetration without reflexive tightening. They may suggest beginning with vaginal dilators or simply using your fingers to explore your vagina.
Whether you use vaginal dilators or fingers during treatment, it is advisable to use an intimate lubricant when attempting penetration. Many available intimate lubricants are not suitable for treating vaginismus due to their ingredients or lubricating properties.
AH! YES® products and the Double Glide effect
AH! YES® intimate lubricants offer a supportive lubrication approach. Ruth Hallam Jones, a renowned psychosexual therapist, devised a successful approach using a combination of AH! YES® WB water-based and AH! YES® OB oil-based intimate lubricants.
Applying a first layer of nourishing, protective AH! YES® OB plant-oil based lubricant, followed by a layer of smooth, silky AH! YES® WB water-based lubricant on top, provides longer-lasting protection and cushioning. This can help you relax and feel more in control while working with a qualified professional.
This pioneering ‘Double Glide’ technique uses two natural intimate lubricants to support confidence during gradual, comfortable penetration without pain, burning or stinging.
Professional recommendation
Trudy Hannington, psychosexual and relationship therapist and former chair of COSRT, recommends using the AH! YES® Double Glide technique.
“I have worked with hundreds of women and the challenge is to break the cycle of pain and fear of pain. I introduce AH! YES®, and in particular the Double Glide technique of AH! YES® water based applied over AH! YES® plant-oil based to my clients. By helping the vagina and the entrance to the vagina to feel naturally lubricated, they are able to relax, leading to more arousal, which then improves desire resulting in pain-free sex. The vicious circle can then become a virtuous circle.”
Why use AH! YES® lubricants?
AH! YES® WB and OB
Used together in the Double Glide method and endorsed by healthcare professionals.
Comfort-focused formulas
AH! YES® WB and AH! YES® VM provide effective relief from irritation, dryness and discomfort.
Natural-feeling lubrication
Designed to feel like your body’s natural lubrication and respond to your body’s needs.
Made for sensitive skin
Natural, pure and certified organic formulations designed to be hypoallergenic, ultra-sensitive and side-effect free.
pH balanced
AH! YES® WB and AH! YES® VM are pH balanced for the slightly acidic vaginal environment.
Professional support
AH! YES® WB and AH! YES® VM are endorsed by medical and healthcare professionals.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. If penetration is painful, stop and speak with a qualified healthcare professional or psychosexual therapist.
