Vaginismus Treatment
A gentle, non-surgical approach to relax pelvic floor muscles and restore comfort
EXETER | HONITON | SIDFORD
Helps retrain the muscles & nervous system
Gentle, non surgical approach using muscle relaxing injections
Carried our by our qualified Womens Health Lead
Vaginismus Treatment with Muscle Relaxing Injections
Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten or spasm, making penetration painful, difficult or sometimes impossible. It can interfere with tampon use, smear tests, gynaecological exams and sexual intercourse.
The tightening response isn’t something you can control — vaginismus is often linked to fear, anxiety, trauma, or physical factors.
Muscle relaxing injections work by reducing the overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles. When carefully administered into the affected area, they can interrupt the spasm cycle, relax overly tight muscles, allow gentle penetration without pain, and help retrain the muscles and nervous system. This medical approach is often considered when other options (such as pelvic floor physiotherapy or dilator training) haven’t worked, or in combination with them.
Your appointment begins with a full consultation, where Jodie, our Womens Health Lead will assess your symptoms, review your medical history and perform an examination (if tolerated).
A small, precise dose of muscle relaxing injection is then delivered directly into the pelvic floor muscles. All treatments are carried out with care, sensitivity and professionalism.
How Vaginismus Can Affect You
Painful Intercourse
Vaginismus can make sexual intercourse painful or impossible due to involuntary muscle tightening — treatment aims to break this cycle and restore comfort.
Difficulty with Tampon Use
Many women with vaginismus find tampon insertion painful or impossible. Treatment can help relax the muscles to make this manageable again.
Smear Tests & Gynaecological Exams
Involuntary muscle spasm can make smear tests and internal examinations very difficult or intolerable, affecting access to important healthcare.
Fear & Anxiety Around Penetration
Vaginismus is often linked to fear or anxiety, creating a cycle that is hard to break. Our treatment addresses the physical component to support wider recovery.
When Other Treatments Haven't Worked
This approach is often considered when dilator therapy, physiotherapy or CBT alone haven't provided sufficient relief, or as a complement to those treatments.
Confidence & Wellbeing
Vaginismus can significantly affect confidence, relationships and quality of life. Our compassionate, private approach is designed to help you feel supported and in control.
Why Choose Helen Hunt Medical Aesthetics?
- Treatments carried out by our team of Level 7 qualified Independent Nurse Prescribers, led by Helen Hunt RGN INP, alongside our advanced-trained skin, laser and beauty therapists
- A medically-led, CQC-registered clinic, with safety, ethics and natural-looking results at the heart of every treatment
- Save Face accredited for seven consecutive years and proud winners of the Safety in Beauty Award 2025
- Individual treatment plans tailored to you, your anatomy and your goals — honest advice and realistic expectations, never over-treatment
- A warm, supportive and discreet environment where patient care always comes first
- Convenient clinic locations in Exeter, Honiton and Sidford with easy parking
FAQs
Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten or spasm, making penetration painful, difficult or sometimes impossible. It can interfere with tampon use, smear tests, gynaecological exams and sexual intercourse. The tightening response is not something you can control — it is often linked to fear, anxiety, trauma, or physical factors.
Muscle relaxing injections reduce the overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles. When carefully administered into the affected area, they interrupt the spasm cycle, relax overly tight muscles, allow gentle penetration without pain, and help retrain the muscles and nervous system. This medical approach is often considered when other options haven’t worked, or in combination with them.
This treatment may be suitable if you: have tried dilators, physiotherapy, or CBT without sufficient success; experience severe vaginal muscle tightness; are unable to tolerate gynaecological exams or intercourse; or are ready for a direct, medical approach. A full consultation will take place before any treatment to ensure it is appropriate for you.
This treatment may not be suitable if you are: pregnant or breastfeeding; have a known allergy to the product used in muscle relaxing injections; have certain neurological or muscular conditions; have an active infection in the vaginal area; or are under 18 years old. This will all be reviewed during your consultation.
Discomfort is minimal. Local anaesthesia is used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Your practitioner will take care to ensure you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible throughout.
Some women need only one session. Others may benefit from a repeat treatment at 6 months. Treatment is often combined with psychosexual therapy or physiotherapy for the best overall results. This will be discussed with you individually during your consultation.
Muscles usually begin relaxing within 5–10 days, with the full effect seen after 2–4 weeks. Many women are able to start using dilators or experience pain-free intercourse within weeks. Results typically last 3–6 months, though for many women symptoms do not return even after the effect wears off.
It is not a permanent cure, but for many women it breaks the cycle of fear and pain, making further progress with therapy or dilators possible. Combined with appropriate support, many women go on to experience significant long-term improvement.
Following treatment you should: start gentle dilator therapy once advised by your practitioner; avoid intercourse or tampon use for a few days; attend follow-up appointments as recommended. Emotional and psychological support is also strongly recommended alongside treatment.
Of course — we completely understand wanting an idea of costs before booking.
As many of our treatments are tailored to your individual needs, pricing can vary depending on the area being treated, the product used and the outcome you are hoping to achieve.
You can view our current price guide online, which gives a helpful starting point for many of our treatments. However, for more personalised advice, we would always recommend a consultation so we can discuss your goals and recommend the most suitable options for you.
If you’re unsure where to start, please do get in touch — our friendly team are always happy to help guide you in the right direction.