V.&Me: Vaginismus - Let's name it not shame it

Join V.&Me in conversation with the wonderful Dr Caroline Pukall, one of the co‑authors of When Sex Hurts and an internationally recognised expert in genito‑pelvic pain.

While V.&Me has primarily focused on vaginismus, this conversation widens the lens to explore vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition affecting the vulva that is often misunderstood, under‑diagnosed, and closely intertwined with other sexual pain conditions.

With her wealth of knowledge, Caroline helps us understand what vulvodynia is, potential risk factors, available treatments, and how it relates to vaginismus.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone experiencing pain involving their V, or for those looking to better understand their body and advocate for their own care.

So make yourself comfortable, or take us along on a walk, and join Caroline and me as we discuss all things related to our V.

** mentioned in the podcast 

Sexlab:  https://www.sexlab.ca/

If you like to participate in one of Sexlab's research, please know that they are currentlty recruiting participants related to provoked vestibulodynia and a vaginismus study (called Chestnut), find more details on  https://www.sexlab.ca/participate

Books:

When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain

Human Sexuality: A Contemporary Introduction

Email Caroline: [email protected]

Socials media: 

Bluesky: @QSexLab 

Instagram & TikTok: qsexlab

Facebook: /sexlab.ca

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Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with the brave Pia James.

When Pia felt that vaginismus was holding her back she decided to try something different. 

Together with 11 other courageous adults she signed up to join the British reality show Virgin Island (Channel 4) where she embarked on an intimacy course that would change her life.

In this episode Pia shares her journey to self compassion, confidence, and her experience on this unique show. 

So make yourself comfortable (or listen to us while doing the dishes) and join Pia and I for an open and honest conversation about vaginismus, Virgin Island, kinks, and more.

 ** mentioned in the podcast

Pia James 

Instagram - @_piajames

Virgin Island - https://www.channel4.com/programmes/virgin-island 

The clock method according to googligoo -  " The clock method for vaginismus is a technique that uses a clock face to visualize and apply gentle pressure around the vaginal opening to help with relaxation and insertion." For more information contact a medical professional or pelvic floor therapist.

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Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Start 2025 feeling strong  with the V.&Me coaching programme! From mid-January untill April, V.&Me will be running it's ninth online programme where vaginismus warriors come together to connect with themselves and eachother. 

If you feel ready to try something different and if you wish to create a positive connection with others who can relate, then have a look at the website, check the dates and register your spot on www.audreycairo.com/vandme before the 22nd December.

Places are limited but please do reach out to stay in touch for potential future start dates.

I hope to meet you then!

:)

Audrey, V.&Me

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible.

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

A short announcement from your host Audrey Cairo about the upcoming coaching programme.

Find more information on 

https://www.audreycairo.com/vandme or keep an upcoming short workshops on 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vme-lets-name-it-not-shame-it-tickets-139455778989

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Did you like the podcast? Why not buy V.&Me a coffee to support - https://buymeacoffee.com/v.andmepodcast

Join V.&Me in conversation with the experienced Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Clare Bourne.

With a real passion to break down barriers Clare supports both women and men throughout on their pelvic health journey.

With her wealth of knowledge we discuss the importance of our pelvic floor in relation to vaginismus, the do's and don'ts with dilating and her book ‘Strong Foundations.’ 

If there is one episode you need to hear then it's this one! So please make yourself comfortable (or take us with you out for your walk) and join Clare and I while we discuss all things related to vaginismus and our pelvic floor.
 
 ** mentioned in the podcast
 https://www.clare-bourne.com/
 (Find her book through her website)
 

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with the experienced Psychosexual & relationship therapist Kate Moyle. With over 10 years working in the field of Psychosexual Therapy and Sexual Wellness,  talking about vaginismus is a big part of Kate's job.

With her wealth of knowledge  we discuss many great topics such as dating and relationships with vaginismus, to what to expect when seeing a psychosexual therapist, her book ' The Science of Sex,' and much more.

So please make yourself comfortable (or take us with you out for your walk) and join Kate and I while we discuss all things related to vaginismus and more.

** mentioned in the podcast
www.katemoyle.co.uk
Book - the Science of Sex -  https://www.katemoyle.co.uk/book
Podcast - The Sexual Wellness podcast - https://www.katemoyle.co.uk/podcast

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with Dr. Aziza Sesay.

As our doctors or general practitioners (GP's) are our first point of contact for any medical conditions, Dr. Sesay knows as no other the importance of her role. With a passion to inform and support, she runs a platform  called 'Talks with  Dr. Sesay'  sharing health information about common conditions on a variety conditions specifically in womens health.

In this episode we have an open and honest  discussion about her own experience and her findings as a GP, and gives helpful tips of how to best prepare when seeing a health professional.

So please make yourself comfortable (or take us out for a walk), and join Dr. Aziza Sesay and I while we reflect and get real about vaginismus and much more.

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible.

**mentioned in the podcast

Talks with Dr. Sesay - https://www.talkswithdrsesay.com/
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists - https://www.cosrt.org.uk/
Institute of Psychosexual Medicine - https://www.ipm.org.uk/ 

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with Rashmi Pithavadian.  

As a Health Sociologist and Health researcher, Rashmi has a real passion to support others to find the help they need.  Wanting to address a gap within the field, she made vaginismus her specialist area and dedicated her MRes and PhD researching vaginismus and help seeking. 

In  this episode we discuss her findings on vaginismus, help seeking and the relationship to the sense of self.

So please make yourself comfortable (or take us out on your walk) and join Rashmi and I while we are curious and reflect on all things related to vaginismus and finding support.

 Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible.
 
 **mentioned in the podcast

Links to vaginismus related articles:

Pithavadian, R., Dune, T. & Chalmers, J. (2024). Patients’ recommendations to improve help-seeking for vaginismus: a qualitative study. BMC Women's Health, 24(203). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03026-x 

Pithavadian, R., Chalmers, J., & Dune, T. (2023). The experiences of women seeking help for vaginismus and its impact on their sense of self: An integrative review. Women’s Health, 19. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057231199383

Link to Rashmi’s website coming soon

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with Kim Vopni.  With a real passion for all topics related to our pelvic health, Kim is a women's health educator, author, and fitness professional better known as 'The Vagina Coach.'  

As the pelvic floor is a set of muscles we shouldn't take for granted, in this episode we make a start to get to know the important part it plays in our health.

So please make yourself comfortable (or take us with you while doing your chores) and join Kim and I while we are curious and reflect on all things related to our V's and our pelvic floor.

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to  like, share & subscribe where possible.

**mentioned in the podcast

www.vaginacoach.com
Social media Kim Vopni - @vaginacoach
Book: Your Pelvic Floor (https://www.vaginacoach.com/books)

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme

Join V.&Me in conversation with the brave Georgina. 
Suffering from PTSD after an abusive relationship, vaginismus took on a different meaning but the pandemic allowed Georgina to stand still and learn of how to put herself first again.

In this episode Georgina takes the courageous step to share her story after years of living in fear of what might happen when she would open up.

So hear her story and join us for another open and honest conversation about vaginismus and more.

Don't forget to like or rate  where possible or follow @letscallherv  on instagram.

**mentioned in the podcast

CBT -  https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral or https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/
V.&Me Group Coaching - https://www.audreycairo.com/vandme

What did you think of this podcast? Click here to let the host know :)

Support the show

Follow V.&Me on insta @letscallherv and don't forget to like, share & subscribe where possible. 

For information about V.&Me coaching www.audreycairo.com/vandme