The second series of Channel 4's 'Virgin Island' has returned, and contestant Joy, 22, has bravely opened up about living with vaginismus, a condition that makes penetrative sex painful or impossible. The event coordinator said she once believed 'God cursed her' with the condition.
Joy explained that she cannot wear a tampon, undergo a pap smear, or have sex due to the involuntary tightening of her pelvic floor muscles. 'I'm living life in fear,' she said on the show, adding that she felt 'a little bit broken' when it comes to sexual intimacy.
Dr Shirin Lakhani, an intimate health expert, explained that vaginismus is a reflex often rooted in physical, psychological, or past traumatic factors. It can be either lifelong or develop later, triggered by pain, trauma, or medical conditions. The condition affects self-esteem and relationships, with many women avoiding sex due to fear of pain.
Treatment options include pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychosexual therapy, which help women learn to relax the muscles rather than contract them. Vaginal dilator therapy is also commonly used alongside these treatments.
Joy's story highlights the often misunderstood condition, which can be effectively managed with the right support and therapy.
