PAINFUL INTERCOURSE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH

Clinical Research · RSIA Limijati · Indonesia

How RSIA Limijati's multidisciplinary approach to vaginismus — combining Botox, dilators, and mental health support — is giving hundreds of women their lives back.

513

Patients treated

~90%

Reported successful penetration

200+

New patients per year

3 yrs

Average wait before seeking help

Understanding the condition

What Is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten, making penetration during sex painful — or completely impossible. It's not something a person can simply "relax through," and it has nothing to do with desire or attraction.

Despite how common it is, many people with vaginismus go years without a diagnosis. RSIA Limijati Hospital in Indonesia sees over 200 new patients with vaginismus every year, making it one of the largest vaginismus treatment centers in the country.

"On average, our patients waited 3 years before getting proper treatment — carrying the emotional weight of this condition alone for far too long."

The research

Who Was Studied, and Why?

Doctors and researchers at RSIA Limijati conducted a retrospective study looking at 513 patients who underwent their assisted dilation protocol between January 2022 and December 2023.

Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical examination — specifically, the involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles that prevented or caused severe pain during penetration.

The typical patient was around 30 years old, came from Java, and had a university-level education. More than 85% came in because they had never been able to have penetrative sex. Many had experienced real emotional trauma — from the medical journey itself, from the strain on their marriages, and from social stigma around a condition that is rarely talked about openly.

The treatment

A Team-Based Approach That Actually Works

Unlike many conditions that are treated by a single doctor, vaginismus at RSIA Limijati is handled by a full team. This multidisciplinary model is central to why outcomes are so strong.

1

OB/GYN Specialist

Leads the medical assessment and performs the assisted dilation procedure, including Botox injections to relax the vaginal muscles.

2

Mental Health Professional

Addresses the psychological side of vaginismus — including anxiety, trauma, and fear of pain — which are often just as important as the physical symptoms.

3

Trained Nurses

Provide hands-on support throughout the process, guiding patients in using vaginal dilators and ensuring they feel comfortable at every step.

4

Medication & Follow-Up

Patients receive appropriate medications as part of the protocol, then return for a follow-up visit 6–8 weeks later. Pregnancy outcomes were tracked via an online questionnaire.

The results

What the Numbers Show

The results from this study are genuinely encouraging — both for patients currently navigating vaginismus and for clinicians looking for evidence-based treatment options.

✓

~90%

of patients who came back for follow-up reported successful penetration

🌱

60%+

returned for their follow-up appointment after the procedure

👶

Many

patients went on to conceive naturally and have healthy babies

Most patients successfully achieved penetration on their very first attempt after the procedure — a milestone that many had believed would never be possible for them.

The bottom line

What This Means for People with Vaginismus

This study confirms that vaginismus is a treatable condition. With the right team, the right tools, and the right support, the vast majority of patients can experience penetration — and for many, that means the chance to start a family.

If you or someone you know has been struggling silently with this condition, know that effective care exists. The biggest hurdle is often just taking that first step toward getting help.

"You don't have to live with vaginismus. This research shows that with the right multidisciplinary approach, most patients achieve the outcomes they came in hoping for."

(Based on a retrospective study conducted at RSIA Limijati, Indonesia · Data from January 2022 – December 2023 · 513 patients)