Vaginismus: How One Woman Transformed Her Intimacy Struggles - with Ellen | Ep. 68

Ellen bravely opens up about her journey with Vaginismus, a condition she discovered on her wedding night when she and her husband tried to have intercourse for the first time. A moment that should have been filled with joy and excitement left Ellen feeling gutted and cheated, particularly because she and her husband had eagerly waited until marriage to share this experience. Vaginismus is a complex and often misunderstood medical condition that causes the muscles of the vagina to involuntarily tense or spasm upon penetration. Over the years Ellen persisted in attempting intercourse, but each try brought pain and discomfort. Confounded by her body's response and overwhelmed by shame, she grappled in silence, feeling as though her body was broken. However, through her challenging journey and the invaluable insights gained since then, Ellen has made remarkable strides in accepting and embracing her body just as it is. She graciously shares a detailed and practical account of how intimacy with her husband has evolved, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for women dealing with Vaginismus. Her story sheds light on the possibilities of finding comfort and fulfillment in intimate relationships despite the condition. Sign up for Janna's brand new workshop on Jan. 15. Your Desire Blueprint: 3 Steps to a Sex Life You Actually Want (Even if That Means None) Janna's Wanting It More Foundations self-paced course for women is always open for registration. Learn more and join here. Learn about the Doing It Together program details, and join the waitlist for the Feb./Mar. 2026 round. Leave a podcast review: We'd so appreciate your ​rating and review​ to help the podcast reach more couples.