Vaginismus and childbirth

[Zibidee]

I never thought I had vaginismus but then during my first transvaginal scan for IVF, the doc wrote it on my notes. I've had plenty of penetrating sex with no issues so was surprised to read this. I thought nothing of it until today when I had a speculum inserted to check my cervix and although the insertion was fine, when doc opened it up I almost screamed!
So now I'm wondering if that's normal or if that is vaginismus, how is that going to impact on childbirth.
Does anyone have experience of this?

Not sure about the medical definition of vaginismus, but surely it's not uncommon to hate smear tests etc? I certainly have always been very uncomfortable with them (to the point that a nurse queried if I was sexually active, to which the answer was 'not with cold bits of metal I'm not').

Anyway, childbirth hurt, I got an epidural so didn't feel the crowning, although was quite sore afterwards from forceps and tearing. I think it's worth taking into account in thinking about pain relief options.

I have vaginismus and have had painful sex fairly regularly for a number of years. Have a variety of things to try and help with some success. I also had ivf to conceive our son and it is painful. And hard going! I gave birth naturally to my boy 20 months ago. I did tell the consultant I thought I would be at risk of tearing but I think they thought I was being a dramatic first time mum. I wasn't I tore from front to back. A 4th degree tear to be exact. That had to repaired in surgery after I gave birth. That said tears like that apparently only happen in 2% of births.

I will say in the heat if the moment of giving birth your body sort of takes over. Yes childbirth was painful but it was manageable. I did it in gas and air (asked for epidural too late!) it was the recovery for me that was very hard. But after are was shit thanks ti covid. Hopefully your experience will be much better.

I had vaginismus and gave birth to my first son naturally on gas and air. I was afraid it would be a problem right up until I pushed, but really childbirth and sex are totally different and I needn’t have worried. I had no tears but a small graze, which was no problem.

Second child was a different story (forceps, epidural, stitches) but definitely nothing to do with vaginismus, as I had somehow grown out of it by then!

Don’t worry about it and I hope you have a good experience.

To be honest if you've not had pain or difficulty with penetrative sex I would be questioning a diagnosis of vaginisimus. Examinations with speculums etc are for many women, uncomfortable at the least.

I've suffered from vaginismus and painful sex for years, I remember when I was in early labour they would do internals and I felt very uncomfortable. When it came to giving birth my body just naturally knew what to do so the vaginismus didn't really affect it.

That is reassuring thank you everyone, I have read about the difference in things being put inside Vs things coming out but it's good to hear real experiences.

I had it and had no problem at all with childbirth.