Breaking the Silence: Raising Awareness for Vaginismus and Smear Test Options

Recently, we received an email from a courageous woman who wanted to bring awareness to a condition she suffers from—vaginismus. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking up about personal experiences, not only to shed light on lesser-known conditions but also to assure others that they are not alone.

A Personal Story of Struggle and Awareness

She wrote:

*“Just an idea for a post to encourage women who suffer like me that there are other options when getting a smear. I don’t think it’s spoken about enough, and it needs to be addressed. I wish I had known about these options all these years.

Smear tests for some women aren’t straightforward and aren’t painless. In fact, mine are excruciating. They can’t even use the small speculum. I have something called vaginismus, which isn’t my fault—my body just locks up, normally due to trauma as a trigger.

So if your smears aren’t just uncomfortable but extremely painful, you can request to be referred to a gynaecologist to be numbed or sedated for a smear. Vaginismus is not your fault; you don’t control it—your body is simply protecting itself.

I want to mention that the Sunderland Sexual Health Clinic is a great place to go for smears, especially painful ones. They have consultants there who recognize vaginismus more than a general practitioner or nurse and can refer you to a gynaecologist.”*

Her words highlight an important issue that many women face in silence. Vaginismus can make essential health screenings like smear tests unbearable, yet there are alternative options available that are not widely discussed.

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the vaginal muscles tighten involuntarily when attempting to insert something, such as a tampon, a finger, a sex toy, or during penetration in sexual activity. This automatic response can cause a burning or stinging pain and can make medical procedures like smear tests extremely difficult or even impossible.

Vaginismus can affect anyone with a vagina, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their late teens to early 30s. The tightening is not something that can be consciously controlled, making it an especially frustrating and distressing condition.

Symptoms of Vaginismus

• Involuntary vaginal muscle tightening when something is inserted

• Burning or stinging pain during penetration attempts

• Difficulty or inability to undergo smear tests

• Fear or anxiety related to penetration or medical procedures

Alternative Options for Smear Tests

For those who experience severe pain during cervical screenings, there are options available. You can:

• Request a smaller speculum – While this may not work for everyone, it can be an option for some.

• Ask for a specialist referral – Gynaecologists can provide support and guidance for those with vaginismus.

• Consider sedation or numbing options – In severe cases, some women may be eligible for procedures under anaesthesia to ensure they receive the care they need without unnecessary trauma.

• Seek professional therapy or pelvic floor therapy – Specialists can help with desensitization techniques to gradually ease symptoms over time.

You Are Not Alone

Stories like this are vital for breaking the silence around conditions that are often misunderstood or overlooked. If you experience extreme pain during smear tests or suspect you may have vaginismus, know that help is available. Seeking support from a healthcare provider can open doors to solutions that can make necessary medical procedures more manageable.

If you have a story you would like to share or an issue you’d like to bring attention to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your experiences empower, educate, and inspire others.

For more information, visit www.amberslegacy.com or contact us at admin@amberslegacy.com. Let’s continue the conversation and support each other in our health journeys.