If you’ve been dealing with painful pelvic contractions that make intimacy, tampon use, or even routine exams uncomfortable, you may be dealing with vaginismus. Vaginismus can have a huge impact on your life, but Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas may be able to help you find relief.
Dr. Wesley Anne Brady, a board-certified gynecologic surgeon, offers Botox as a powerful treatment for vaginismus. Under Dr. Brady’s expert care in Dallas, Texas, this procedure could help you reclaim your quality of life.
What Is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles in the vagina tighten up involuntarily, causing pain and making any type of penetration (like sex, using tampons, or medical exams) difficult or even impossible.
There are two main types: Primary Vaginismus, where a person has never been able to experience penetration comfortably, and Secondary Vaginismus, where someone who previously had pain-free intercourse develops the condition later in life.
Causes of Vaginismus
The causes of vaginismus can vary and may include a combination of physical and psychological factors:
- Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause or postpartum, can affect vaginal muscles and cause discomfort.
- Medical conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), may lead to vaginismus.
- Past pelvic surgeries can result in scarring or trauma, contributing to muscle tension.
- Physical or emotional trauma, including past abuse, can cause involuntary muscle contractions.
- Anxiety or fear surrounding intimacy or penetration may trigger the condition.
- Unresolved emotional issues or previous negative experiences related to sexual activity can also be contributing factors.
Treating Vaginismus With Botox
Traditionally, vaginismus was treated with counseling and dilator therapy, which aimed to gradually desensitize and stretch the vaginal muscles. However, since at least 1997, Botox has emerged as a promising treatment option.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is well-known for its ability to reduce facial wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. This same effect can be harnessed for vaginismus to relax the pelvic floor muscles, helping to prevent the painful, involuntary contractions that make penetration difficult.
When used for vaginismus, Botox is often combined with dilation therapy. This combination works to retrain the muscles, allowing you more comfort and better function.
What to Expect With Botox Vaginismus Treatment
The treatment journey starts with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Brady takes the time to understand your symptoms and review your medical history.
This is also when she’ll determine if additional procedures, like a hymenectomy (removal of the hymen to facilitate easier penetration), might be beneficial for your specific case. The goal of the consultation is to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and comfort.
Here’s what to expect from the rest of the process:
During the Procedure
- We’ll place you under general anesthesia for a pain-free experience.
- Dr. Brady will administer Botox injections into your pelvic floor muscles to relax them and prevent the involuntary contractions that cause pain.
- She will then dilate your vagina using the largest dilator suitable for you.
- If you need a hymenectomy, she will perform it at this time to remove or incise the hymen.
Post-Procedure
- About a week later, when the Botox has fully taken effect, you’ll begin a structured dilation routine. This routine helps train your muscles to gradually allow for comfortable penetration.
- By the time the Botox wears off (typically within four to six months), most patients find they can have painless intercourse and experience normal penetration.
Ideal Candidates for Botox Vaginismus Treatment
This 20-minute outpatient procedure can be life-changing for women who:
- Experience involuntary muscle contractions that make penetration extremely painful.
- Have tried non-surgical approaches like physical therapy or counseling without significant improvement in symptoms.
- Are open to combining Botox with a structured dilator program to achieve the best results.
- Are physically healthy and able to undergo the procedure under anesthesia.
Why Choose Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas?
At Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas, you’ll find specialized care in our supportive environment. Dr. Wesley Anne Brady, the only female cosmetic gynecologist in Dallas, has over 20 years of experience and has performed around 4,000 cosmetic gynecology surgeries.
With advanced training from two pioneers in the field and a board-certified OB/GYN background, Dr. Brady is an expert whose goal is to help women feel great about themselves.
We know it can be challenging to talk about intimate health concerns, so we’ve designed our office to be a place where you can openly share your thoughts and get compassionate care. Our all-female team has been working together since 2007, and we’ll be here to make sure you always feel valued and understood at Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas.
"I have been dealing with vaginismus for many years with many providers who were not knowledgeable about the condition or helpful at all. In less than one month, Dr Brady and the staff at the Women’s Wellness Institute have quite literally changed my life for the better. The procedure itself was quick and my progress afterwards has been incredible. I would recommend anyone going through this to work with these amazing women for treatment!"
"I suffered from vaginismus for years, tried all sorts of therapy and dilators but nothing worked. I booked a consultation with Dr Brady, she was very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable. The procedure was successful with no pain. After the procedure, I was so impressed with the after care and follow up. They literally follow up with you to make sure you are practicing with the dilators and monitoring your progress. Going to Dr Brady was the best decision ever and now I’m good to go. I actually just did a sonogram, coming a long way from someone who could never do a pap smear. Thanks to Dr Brady and her team, they are fantastic. If you are thinking of trying Dr Brady, let me save you the stress, stop thinking, please do yourself a favor and call their office. They are amazing, It was the best decision and investment I made, she changed my life."
Commonly Asked Questions
How Many Botox Sessions Will I Need to Treat My Vaginismus?
You should notice major improvement after just one session of Botox, especially when combined with the dilation routine. You may need additional sessions depending on the severity of your symptoms and your response to the initial treatment.
Is There Any Downtime or Recovery Period Associated With Botox Treatment for Vaginismus?
There is minimal downtime after Botox treatment for vaginismus. You should be able to get back to your routine the same day, although you may have some mild discomfort. Don’t do anything strenuous, and follow the dilation routine as instructed.
How Soon After Botox Treatment Can I Resume Sexual Activity?
You can try resuming sexual activity about a week after the Botox treatment once the muscles have relaxed and the dilation routine has started. However, the timeline may vary based on your individual progress. Listen to your body if it’s not ready for penetration yet, and focus on continuing your dilation exercises.
What Happens if the Botox Treatment Doesn’t Fully Relieve My Symptoms?
We can try additional treatment options, such as another round of Botox, adjusting the dilation protocol, or combining it with other therapeutic approaches. We will work with you to find the right solution.
Will Botox and Dilation Permanently Cure My Vaginismus?
Botox makes it easier to engage in dilation therapy, which helps retrain the pelvic muscles and leads to long-term improvement for many patients. However, it may not be a permanent cure for everyone.
Some patients need additional sessions or continued dilation exercises to maintain their results. The success of the treatment depends on the severity of the vaginismus, adherence to the dilation routine, and underlying physical or psychological causes. Dr. Brady will work with you to monitor your progress and determine the best approach for you. If indicated, she will refer you to a pelvic floor physical therapist and/or a behavioral therapist.
Get Relief for Vaginismus Pain in Dallas
Botox vaginismus treatment has a high success rate when performed by an experienced cosmetic gynecologist like Dr. Brady at Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas.
To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brady online or by calling us at +1 469-442-0079.