Directions to our office
located on 6th and Locust St.
Click here to participate in
our Vulvar Vestibulitis Study
The Center for Growth, Inc.
also known as
Sex Therapy in Philadelphia
233 S. 6th Street, Suite C-33
Philadelphia PA 19106
New Clients (267) 324 - 9564
Existing Clients (215) 922-5683
Fax (215) 922-6302
Vulvar Vestibulitis and Vaginismus
Treatment for women located in center City Philadelphiawritten by : Jennifer Foust M.S., LPC
Women with Vulvar Vestibulitis can Develop Vaginismus: Vulvar vestibulitis is a medical condition that involves pain in the area of the vaginal opening, otherwise known as the vestibule. As a result, any type of penetration is often very painful. Penetration may be impossible because of the pain or penetration may just be very unpleasant. Women with vulvar vestibulitis often can develop vaginismus. Vaginismus is a condition where the muscle that surrounds the vaginal opening (the pubococcygeus muscle) spasms when any type of penentration is attempted. These spasms often make penetration impossible and women have described feeling as if they have hit a brick wall when trying to insert anything. Vulvar vestibulitis and vaginismus have one major thing in common: vaginal penetration with a penis, speculum, tampon, or even a finger is painful. These two problems can go hand in hand, but you can have one without the other.
When penetration is repeatedly painful due to vulvar vestibulitis, the PC muscle may involuntarily begin to spasm in anticipation of penetration due to a fear of pain. When symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis are successfully treated, the vaginismus may resolve itself. However, sometimes it does not and the woman may need treatment with vaginal dilators to reduce anxiety and fear about penetration. Vaginismus is very successfully treated with the assistance of a sex therapist to help women address the anxiety and fear as well as acting as a coach for practicing with the vaginal dilators at home.
Participate in Our Study
Other Tips of Interest
Vulvar Vestibulitis & Your Sex Life
Women with Vulvar Vestibulitis can Develop Vaginismus
Improving Sexual Performance
How to use touch to get the most out of sex
Sexuality Concerns
Erection difficulties ED
Fertility problems FP
Impotence IMP
Orgasm Difficulties Org
Painful intercourse PI
Painful vaginal spasms PVS
Pregnancy Problems P
Premature ejaculation PE
Sexual addictions SA
Low sex drive LSD
Sexual Orientation Confusion SOC
Sexual Inexperience SI
Sexually transmitted Infections (herpes) STI
Have you experienced
Sexual Aversion SA
Sexual Boredom SB
Negative Body Image NBI
Embarrassment & Anxiety
Depression D
Chronic Pain
Cheating Spouse / Infidelity
Medical Problems MP
Rape or Sexual Abuse RSA
Relationship and Marital Problems RMP
Communication Problems CP
Founder of Sex Therapy
in Philadelphia
"Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS,
ACSW, LCSW
To schedule an appointment, please call: 267 - 324 - 9564
If you live in Center City Philadelphia and the surrounding regions, including the Main Line, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chestery County, Cherry Hill and Southern New Jersey area and want to schedule an appointment for individual therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, sex therapy, family therapy or play therapy call (267) 324-9564.
