If you read my blog every week then you are certainly aware of Vaginismus, but to anyone who is new or interested in learning more, I have some resources to share with you for your Vaginismus journey to celebrate Vaginismus Awareness Day. Whether it be apps, events, or accounts to follow, you know I've got your back!
Let's start with the GINA app. You pay $3.24 to purchase the app and then you have access to everything. It provides you with a helpful glossary of related terms; a section that defines both primary and secondary Vaginismus; a section on the brain body balance; a section on treatments; a section on sex; a section on how to talk about this with medical professionals, friends, or your partner; and the blog on their website. Within all of the various categories of the app, GINA covers lubricants, pelvic floor stretches, therapy options, a dilating explanation, breathing exercises, and even the emotional affects of having this condition. I'm new to this app but can't wait to do a deep dive into exploring everything! I must say, I really wish it had been around back when I was starting my journey in 2013 because it would've been a lot easier to learn all of this information in such a condensed format than it was researching on my own for 7 years! You can download the app yourself in Google Play for Androids or the App Store for iPhones. Check out their website here for more info or follow them on Instagram @gina_app_ for little tidbits about Vaginismus facts.
Sh! Women Store, who has made sex toys for vagina and vulva owners since 1992, is hosting an event led by sex educator Evie Fehilly where a multitude of educators, campaigners, artists, and therapists will share their expertise on Vaginismus. These include Fran Busche, Audrey Cairo, Lisa Mackenzie, Sarah Berry, and Lorna Meehan. Lisa is one of the co-founders of The Vaginismus Network; Sarah is a sex and relationship therapist; and Lorna is a poet, actress, and theater-maker. These ladies are some of the top voices in the UK on the topic of Vaginismus with loads of wisdom to share with other women on this path. They shared an anonymous survey for Vaginismus sufferers to fill out to help shape the discussion. I know I filled it out, did you? I hope you're able to join this forum and hear about all of the intricate ways painful sex affects us all. This event costs 3 pounds and is starting tomorrow at 7 pm in the UK. All proceeds will go to the Dilator Pay It Forward Scheme. You can follow them on Instagram @shwomenstore to get a sense of what toys they sell and for statistics around sex. Their website can also be found here if you are interested in reading their blog or ordering any products.
Another event going on soon (next week) is the Women's Therapy Center's Overcoming Vaginismus: A Vagina in Panic Zoom. This consists of doctors and patients sharing their stories and answering questions and this one is completely free! You can sign up to join by going here. I added myself a few weeks ago and can't wait to join in and hear what they have to say. The Women's Therapy Center focuses on the mind and body with how it relates to Vaginismus, Vulvodynia, and Dyspareunia by addressing female genital, emotional, and sexual health in their practice. They have YouTube pages, a Facebook support group, and many other resources to help explain these conditions. They also have the mantra "we make sad vaginas happy". How can that not make you crack a smile? You can follow them @womenstc for helpful advice on treatment, testimonials, and to meet their doctors. Their website is also here if you want to delve deeper into their Vaginismus suggestions.
I hope you find an appropriate way to celebrate Vaginismus Awareness Day. Dilate, have non-PIV sex, or reveal your secret to someone whom you've been keeping this from. Maybe they could learn a thing or 2 from some of these resources so don't hesitate to share!