I've never had it, but I did have an IUD inserted, and I remember it hurt like hell, so it seems reasonable that it might have triggered a relapse. Just remember - you beat it before, you can do it again. Best wishes.

I've never had it, however, I'm a big natural herb supplement believer. I recently wrote a piece about natural herbal sexual aides at Liberator Ooh,

link

I wrote about Willow in there. It is an anti-inflammatory herb and I've heard it will help relieve some of the symptoms of Vaginismus. If you live near a health food or herbal supplement store it might be worth a try for your symptoms. Hope you feel better soon!!

I think it COULD definitely be the IUD. When I was in massage school, we learned about something called "muscle memory", which you probably already know about if you've gone through treatment for vaginismus. So yes, I think the placement/location of the IUD itself (or the pain of the initial insertion) could have triggered an old traumatic muscle memory. But then, there are various things that can trigger it.

I relapse occasionally too, even though they say that "The process of overcoming vaginismus is generally permanent." But that's ONLY because the "learned abilities are life-long and" (supposedly) "prevent reoccurrence." They do help me get back on track when it does re-occur, but they don't always completely PREVENT it. (link)

I've had issues with irregular periods, severe menstrual cramps and polycystic ovaries from the time I was in my teens. In my twenties I developed vaginismus issues (usually triggered by a bad gynecological visit). Once I started using a Betty's Barbell (a metal kegel exerciser) in combination with deep breathing and pelvic relaxation exercises, I was able to get past it for some years.

Then, in my early thirties, I had another gynecological visit that my body must have registered as traumatic or threatening, because I tightened up again. At that point, two of my gynecologists recommended this website (link) and the dilator set that is sold there. Since I already had several dildos and a vibrator, I just started using them more REGULARLY, along with my breathing and pelvic exercises.

So I think we may have to KEEP using the techniques we learned during treatment in order to maintain the pain-free cycle and to RE-establish it when pain triggers the old cycle and throws us back into spasms.

It also helps a lot if you have an understanding partner who's willing to enjoy other types of sexual activity (besides intercourse) until you can get your body's response back to its normal healthy cycle.

I'll keep your topic post on my "favorite discussions" list for a while and check back in case you need to chat.

Thanks for all the help you guys! I had done another forum post asking women if they became "uninterested in penetration" and then I finally realized that I'm just scared of it. I haven't even taken out many of my dildos in a while. I used one this week, but that was earlier in the week and the other I couldn't even insert it... so that's when I knew.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this! I'm the kind of person who loves to give people advice (even when they don't ask for it, lol) and can often do so even when it's a situation I haven't been in before. But I feel like I can't in this situation. All I can say is the same that someone else said already, you beat it once, you can do it again! It makes sense to me that it has something to do with the IUD, if it hasn't happened in a while and all of a sudden does right after having it inserted. So while I can't offer advice I can offer LOTS of love and support and send healing vibes your way!!
LaLaLouise~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~SecretToyLove r

(those are my loving healing vibes!)