Meghan Trainor’s Vaginismus Story Is Helping People Put a Name to Their Pain
When Meghan Trainor publicly shared that she experiences vaginismus, it wasn’t just celebrity news—it was a moment of recognition for millions of people who have silently struggled with pain during sex, tampon use, or pelvic exams without knowing why.
On her podcast Workin’ On It, Trainor spoke candidly about experiencing severe pain with penetration and later learning that there was a medical explanation for it. For years, she assumed discomfort was something women were expected to tolerate. It wasn’t until she sought professional guidance that she realized her pain had a name—and that it was treatable.
Her openness has helped bring visibility to a condition that is widely experienced, yet rarely discussed.
What Is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a pelvic floor condition in which the muscles surrounding the vagina tighten involuntarily in response to attempted penetration. This muscle guarding can make insertion painful, extremely uncomfortable, or impossible.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, vaginismus is a physical condition involving involuntary muscle contractions—not a lack of desire or arousal.
Penetration may include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Tampons or menstrual cups
- Pelvic exams
- Vaginal ultrasounds
There are two common forms:
- Primary vaginismus: pain has always been present with penetration
- Secondary vaginismus: pain develops later, often after childbirth, surgery, hormonal changes, injury, or chronic pelvic pain
Symptoms exist on a spectrum, and many people experience vaginismus without ever receiving a diagnosis.
Why Meghan Trainor’s Honesty Matters So Much
1. Many people don’t realize they have vaginismus
Because vaginismus is rarely discussed in sex education or routine medical visits, many people assume painful sex is normal—or something they just have to tolerate.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that persistent pain during sex is not normal and should be evaluated.
Hearing a public figure name the condition can be the moment someone realizes, “This might be what I’m experiencing.”
2. It reframes painful sex as a medical issue—not a personal failure
Vaginismus is not a mindset problem or something you can simply “relax away.” It involves the pelvic floor muscles and nervous system, often reinforced by fear–pain cycles.
The National Institutes of Health recognizes vaginismus as a legitimate medical condition that responds best to structured, multidisciplinary care.
Trainor’s openness helps shift the narrative from shame to understanding.
3. It encourages people to seek help earlier
Trainor has shared that she sought professional care—something pelvic health specialists strongly recommend. Early intervention can reduce symptom severity and shorten recovery time.
For many readers, her story becomes permission to finally bring the topic up with a healthcare provider.
You can locate a pelvic health professional in our Pelvic Health Therapist Directory. There are various options in all states, and many are available virtually.
Is Meghan Trainor “Cured” of Vaginismus?
Like many people with vaginismus, Trainor has spoken about working through the condition, rather than framing it as a quick fix.
Vaginismus treatment is often a process, not a one-time solution. Progress may include:
- Reduced pain
- Increased comfort with penetration
- Improved muscle control
- Less anxiety around intimacy
For some, symptoms resolve fully. For others, ongoing management is part of long-term pelvic health. Both outcomes are valid.
How Vaginismus Is Commonly Treated
Clinical guidelines support a multidisciplinary approach to treating vaginismus.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is widely considered the gold standard treatment for vaginismus.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Pelvic Health, pelvic floor therapists are trained to assess and treat muscle tension, coordination, and pain in the pelvic region.
Treatment may include:
- Muscle relaxation techniques
- Breathing and nervous system regulation
- Gentle internal or external manual therapy
- Education on pelvic anatomy and pain responses
Vaginal Wands: Gradual, Supported Progress
Vaginal wands—also called vaginal trainers or dilators—are smooth, graduated tools used to help the pelvic floor adapt to penetration slowly and pain-free.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that wands can help relax vaginal muscles and reduce discomfort when used consistently and gently.
Many pelvic floor therapists recommend at-home wands use alongside therapy. For example, VWELL’s introductory vaginal wand 5 piece sets are designed specifically for therapeutic use, offering multiple sizes so individuals can progress at their own pace rather than forcing advancement.
👉 MORE ON WANDS AND SIZES HERE
The goal is never to push through pain, but to retrain the body’s response.
Pelvic Wands and Muscle-Release Tools
Pelvic wands are curved tools designed to help release internal pelvic muscle tension and trigger points.
Tools like VWELL’s pelvic wands are commonly used as part of guided at-home pelvic care to:
- Support muscle relaxation
- Improve body awareness
- Complement pelvic floor therapy exercises
When used gently and intentionally, these tools can empower people to participate actively in their recovery.
Nervous System & Emotional Support
Because vaginismus involves the body’s protective response, emotional and nervous system support are essential.
This may include:
- Therapy or counseling
- Mind–body practices like diaphragmatic breathing
- Open, pressure-free communication with partners
Research published by the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) highlights the importance of addressing both physical and psychological components of sexual pain disorders.
Signs You Might Have Vaginismus (Even Without a Diagnosis)
You may want to explore vaginismus further if you experience:
- Pain or burning with penetration
- Difficulty using tampons
- Anxiety around pelvic exams
- A feeling of resistance or “hitting a wall”
- Avoidance of penetration due to fear of pain
If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone—and support exists.
Why Awareness Is the First Step Toward Relief
Meghan Trainor’s story matters because awareness shortens the distance between pain and answers. Naming the condition reduces isolation and helps people seek evidence-based care sooner.
Brands like VWELL, which focus on education-first pelvic wellness tools, exist to support that journey—not to replace medical care, but to complement it with thoughtfully designed products grounded in pelvic health science.
Final Takeaway
By speaking openly about vaginismus, Meghan Trainor helped bring visibility to a condition that affects millions but is rarely discussed. Her honesty reinforces a critical truth: painful sex is not something to normalize or endure in silence.
With awareness, professional care, and supportive tools, many people experience meaningful relief and improved comfort.
You are not broken—and you are not alone.
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