How successful is vaginismus treatment?

Vaginismus is highly treatable. When a robust program is followed, treatment outcomes are nearly always positive and successful, with full resolution.

Treatment Success

Vaginismus is considered the most successfully treatable female sexual disorder. Many studies have shown treatment success rates approaching nearly 100%. The self-help approach is based on extensive research into the causes and treatment of vaginismus and includes a complete 10 step process with easy-to-follow, practical treatment solutions. This approach has been used successfully by thousands of women and medical professionals.

The chart above lists some of the published clinical statistics for the success of vaginismus treatment. Clinical statistics for treatment success vary from study to study, but nearly all independent studies show high success rates. Clinical treatment methodology primarily involves using a combination of desensitization exercises and behavioral instruction. The percentages listed represent the portion of women able to engage in pain-free penetrative sexual intercourse following treatment. Though there are some failures, these are usually attributed to couples dropping out or not completing treatment. For couples who complete treatment, outcomes are nearly always positive and successful, with full resolution.

References

1. Biswas, A., & Ratnam, S. (1995). Vaginismus and outcome of treatment. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 24(5), 755-758.
2. Butcher, J. (1999). ABC of sexual health: Female sexual problems II: Sexual pain and sexual fears. BMJ, 318, 110-112.
3. Heiman, J. (2002). Sexual dysfunction: Overview of prevalence, etiological factors, and treatments. J Sex Res, 39(1), 73-78.
4. Katz, D., & Tabisel, R. (2002). Private pain: It's about life, not just sex. Plainview, NY: Katz-Tabi Publications.
5. Masters, W., & Johnson, V. (1970). Human sexual inadequacy. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.
6. Nasab, M., & Farnoosh, Z. (2003). Management of vaginismus with cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-finger approach: A study of 70 cases. IJMS, 28(2), 69-71.
7. Schnyder, U., Schnyder-Luthi, C., Ballinari, P., & Blaser, A. (1998). Therapy for vaginismus: In vivo versus in vitro desensitization. Can J Psychiatry, 43(9), 941-44.
8. Scholl, G. (1988). Prognostic variables in treating vaginismus. Obstet Gynecol, 72, 231-35.

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Treatment Questions

• How successful is vaginismus treatment?
• How long does treatment take?
• Is there a difference between the treatment for primary and secondary vaginismus?
• Why is it so difficult to get diagnostic and treatment help for vaginismus?
• Are there any drugs, vitamins, or surgical procedures available to cure vaginismus?
• I have suffered from vaginismus for over 10 years. Is it too late for treatment now?
• Does the self-help approach only work for mild or marginal cases of vaginismus? Will it work for severe cases as well?
• Do you recommend working with treatment professionals such as physicians, gynecologists, physical therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, sexual therapists or others?
• Is there any further support with the self-help kits?
• Should I stop trying to have intercourse during vaginismus treatment?
• Can you completely overcome vaginismus if you are single?
• As a vaginismus treatment professional, how does the vaginismus.com program help my patients?
• How can I stay motivated and positive through treatment? I struggle with avoidance.
• I can’t even look at myself ‘down there’ and I feel queasy just considering penetration or any type of vaginal insertion. How can I make it through treatment?
• What can men do to help their wives/partners through vaginismus?
• Will sex ever feel good?
• Vaginismus has taken its toll on our marriage. How do we become passionate again?
• Once vaginismus has been successfully treated can it reoccur?
• My husband is having problems with keeping an erection. Any advice?

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Vaginismus Books

Comprehensive self-help program recommended by specialists »

"I can recommend use of this resource by all patients with vaginismus" - APTA Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy
- Beth Shelly, PT, BCIA-PMDB