Despite being a condition which impacts one in five hundred women Vaginismus is a rarely discussed and often misunderstood sexual dysfunction. It’s characterised by the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the vagina which can make penetration painful, difficult and often impossible. There are unlimited reasons for why someone might be struggling with this condition, and equally many ways that it may show up for them in terms of challenges with sex, relationships, dating, body confidence and self-esteem. Even though it’s so common there are very few resources available which makes it difficult for people to know where to turn for information and advice.

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This is where my guests for today come in as The Vaginismus Network is one of the only platforms with advice from both peers and experts. Kat is one of the co-founders, and Rosie is a volunteer who both feel really passionately about this topic as they have Vaginismus themselves. Connecting over their shared experience and feelings, co-founders Kat and Lisa decided to give others what they both felt that they were missing - a way to connect, talk and get advice on a condition that was missing from the mainstream. The Vaginismus Network hosts online and in-person events, offers a matching service to connect people, and has blogs and advice on everything from smear tests,  to vaginismus and pregnancy, dilator training and personal accounts of Vaginismus.

Instagram @thevagnetwork 

Rosie @vaginismuswho 

https://www.thevaginismusnetwork.com/

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In this conversation the topic of pleasure is central to both Kat and Rosie's stories about them managing their vaginismus and building a more positive relationship with their bodies. This is something that is also a huge part of today's sponsor Lelo's ethos and pleasure products; and for this episode they've prepared a special promotion just for you. Listen to our discussion, and use the unique code KATELELO at lelo.to/KATEXLELO to shop their entire pleasure toy range at a discount. Follow Lelo at @Lelo_official

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The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.

Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy