Introduction to Vaginismus
Happy May, everyone!
For this month’s newsletter, I want to introduce vaginismus, a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles involuntarily tighten or spasm around the vaginal opening, making penetration difficult, painful, or impossible. You may also hear it referred to as dyspareunia and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Vaginismus is caused by tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles. It is compounded by the activation of the nervous system in people who experience this pain with entry, leading their body into a protective, guarding mode that holds on to past pain, fear, or sensitivity. Hormonal dryness can also contribute to the issue.
Teenage girls with vaginismus often become aware of it for the first time when they get their period and try to insert a tampon. Many say the entryway feels completely “blocked,” but people also report feeling a burning, sharp, or tight pain at the vaginal entry.
Often, young girls experiencing vaginismus do not understand what is happening to their bodies. They stay silent, internalizing shame and feeling alone. But it is important to know that vaginismus is TREATABLE with the right approach and pelvic floor therapy.
For teens, pelvic floor therapy always starts with a gentle, open conversation. I want to make my young clients understand that what they are experiencing is common and treatable. Part of vaginismus is that the body is trying to protect itself, so clients need to feel heard, protected, and safe. Everything should be consent-based, and pacing is very important when moving forward. Evaluation, either by a pediatric gynecologist or pelvic floor therapist, is needed to rule out any other potential causes for pain.
Bottom line, vaginismus is common, manageable, and very treatable, especially with early, supportive care. For more information about the condition, click here to read a story about vaginismus for Women’s Health magazine.
Testimonial:
“We are so grateful for Maria and the care she provided to our 16-year-old daughter. Our daughter got her period when she was 13 years old, but was never able to insert a tampon, even after years of trying and becoming incredibly frustrated in the process. I finally took her to her pediatrician, and it was determined she needed a surgery called a hymenectomy. My daughter is a serious athlete, and she couldn't wait for the day when she could practice her sport without having to wear bulky, uncomfortable, and messy pads during her period. However, she was so discouraged and disheartened when she found she still had a lot of pain and discomfort when trying to insert a tampon, even after the surgery. Her surgeon recommended pelvic floor therapy, something I had never even heard of.
I was initially hesitant because of the personal and vulnerable nature of this type of therapy, especially for a teenage girl. From the very first session, however, Maria immediately put both my daughter and me at ease. She created a safe, comfortable environment and completely normalized the process.
What stood out most was how Maria connected with my daughter. She framed therapy in a way that really resonated with her athletic mindset—goal-oriented, structured, and similar to training and doing reps at the gym. That approach helped my daughter feel empowered, focused, and motivated throughout the process.
After three months of working with Maria, my daughter was able to successfully insert and wear a tampon. This has made such a meaningful difference in her life, making her periods far less stressful and way easier to manage during both sports and everyday life.
We are incredibly thankful to Maria for her professionalism, sensitivity, and skill in helping our daughter reach this important goal. I would highly recommend her to any family navigating similar challenges.”
Community Board:
Meet Annie Berger of Match Mindset
Annie is a mental performance coach who works with athletes of all ages and levels, helping them build the mental skills to perform under pressure, stay consistent, and actually enjoy their sport again.
Annie is a sports parent, lifelong athlete, and former dual-sport DI athlete who holds a master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). She works with kids, teens, and adults across all sports and levels.
Annie teaches practical, evidence-based mental skills, including confidence building, emotion regulation, focus, self-talk, visualization, routine building, and acceptance. These are the tools that help athletes show up as the competitor they know they can be.
If your athlete is struggling, losing their love for the game, or crumbling under pressure, Annie is who you call. She is based in Larchmont and offers a free 30-minute consultation to get started. For more information, visit her website: www.matchmindset.com
Meet doctor Lisa Goldfine, Clinical Psychologist
Lisa is a clinical psychologist in downtown Larchmont, where she works with women navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, parenting, and the emotional complexities of perimenopause and menopause. My approach is warm, collaborative, and centered on giving women a private, thoughtful space to better understand themselves during seasons of major physical, emotional, and identity change.
She deeply values the connection between emotional health and physical health. For many women, experiences like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, and midlife hormonal changes are both physical and emotional. She is located just down the block from Hopp Pelvic Floor Therapy in Larchmont, and loves being part of a community of providers helping women feel more supported, informed, and at home and alive in their bodies and lives.
To schedule a consultation, visit her website: https://lisagoldfine.com/
A New Type Of Workout Class…Try 2NDFL
In Katonah Yoga, we divide the body into 3 floors. The ground floor is the foundation, our roots.
The third floor is the vision, our imagination. In between is the second floor - where breath, heart, rhythm, and spirit meet. Where life moves through us. Where we connect. Where joy lives. That led to the creation of 2NDFL / Second Floor — a space for dance, music, release, and joy. Think 50 minutes of dancing, a little like a party, a return to the dance floor.
They’re popping up in Larchmont on June 6, 13, and 14. Sign up here: https://luma.com/nkmad08g
For more information, visit and reach out on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DX4v-8FEZZQ/
Want to be featured in the June edition of the HOPP newsletter? Message me about being featured on the community board – a place where I share news from my incredible community of clients, practitioners, and friends.