Vaginismus Support Group

SEXUAL WELLBEING, SUPPORT & EDUCATION FOR WOMEN WITH VAGINISMUS+

Orlagh Reid began writing the Vaginismus Blog Series in 2021, following research by Dr Maria McEvoy (DCU) on the women’s lived experience of vaginismus in Ireland. The condition, and related ‘GPPPD’ conditions has since become a special interest and passion of Orlagh’s. During this time, she has supported many women in groups and one-to-one sessions continuing to raise awareness of vaginismus, sexual pain and female sexual wellbeing through media, news and podcasts.

Learn more about Dr McEvoy on her research insights, compassionate practices & understanding Vaginismus as a sociocultural phenomenon.

VAGINISMUS SUPPORT GROUP IRELAND

In 2023, Orlagh Reid began hosting a monthly online therapeutic group for women in Ireland living with a condition called vaginismus, which includes genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorders (GPPPD), sexual pain, dyspareunia, vulvar pain, sexual dysfunction and sexual anxiety. These are relaxed, informative, educational and empowering virtual groups to promote therapeutic and holistic interventions for treating, alleviating, and rehabilitating vaginismus-type symptoms. Most importantly, it is a compassionate, safe and shame-free space for women to connect and learn more about these conditions while boosting their sexual wellbeing and creating sex-positive attitudes at every age and stage.

Orlagh is an IACP Psychotherapist who specialises in Clinical Sexology and Sexual Health, and is the founder and facilitator of these support groups, and by no means an expert in this condition. She creates virtual masterclasses, workshops, topic-related evenings and special guest blogs and interviews on all things vaginismus and sexual pain.

See the events page for upcoming dates.

Subscribe to the Hey Gyno! Sexual wellbeing community for women emails [SUBSCRIBE HERE]

What You Need to Know

💻 Hosted Online via Zoom
All Hey Gyno! Community groups and masterclasses are hosted online via Zoom, so you can join from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Download Zoom to your device or log-in online. Full details are sent in the booking confirmation email. Groups are NOT recorded for your privacy and comfort online.

📹 Cameras On, Audio Off. Chat and Reactions Feature For Engagement.
We ask everyone to have their cameras on (70% of the time) and audio muted unless you are talking or in discussion. This helps us create a stronger sense of connection, community and confidence while allowing everyone to participate in a way that feels comfortable. We understand having your camera on my feel uncomfortable but it is part of becoming more comfortable and confident in yourself and creating a sex-positive, kickass attitude with other women.

👩 Women 18–70+
The group is open to women over 18, at any age or stage of life, including perimenopause and post-menopause, single or in a relationship, sexually active with others or solo – a group for any body. Vaginismus, GPPPD, dyspareunia and vaginal pain can affect women at different stages of life, and you are welcome here wherever you are on your journey.

👥 Limited Places — Book Early
Places are limited to keep the group supportive, manageable and personal. A minimum of 5 participants is required for each group to go ahead, so we recommend booking early.

💬 Have Your Say
Before each group, you will have the opportunity to complete a short online survey where you can submit questions, comments, topics, suggestions and recommendations that you would like to bring to the group. This helps shape the discussion around what matters to you.

📅 Bookings & Cancellations
Bookings are non-refundable to reduce administration and banking admin. Please check that you can attend before booking your place.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQI+ Friendly
This is an inclusive, respectful and welcoming space for LGBTQI+ women and people of all sexual orientations and identities.

🧠 Neuroaffirmative Friendly
This is a neurodivergent friendly and affirmative space for women, diagnosed or self-diagnosed. We aim to create a supportive environment that respects different ways of communicating, thinking, processing and participating.

Online Groups Sessions

Hey Gyno! Community

The Hey Gyno! Community is a sexual wellness group for women living with vaginismus symptoms, vulvar pain, vulvovaginal conditions, genito pelvic pain/penetration disorders (GPPPD) and related sexual conditions. Gyno means woman!

Hosted via Zoom each month by Orlagh Reid MIACP for women over 18 years of age. We talk, chat, share, support, raise awareness and focus on specific topics each month.

Health professionals and special guest professionals who work in sexual medicine, sexual health, OBGYN, fertility, pelvic health, sex education and wellbeing often join and contribute to these monthly online groups. They are open to women in Ireland, the UK and Irish living abroad.

Check the EVENTS page for updates, follow on Instagram @thewellbeingpsychotherapist and SUBSCRIBE HERE to the Hey Gyno! Vaginismus VVD exclusive emails.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Schedule an Online Group Session

Book you place on the next online group with Orlagh Reid. Take control of your own online group session bookings with the Acuity Scheduling booking system. You can view, book and pay for your next online group, coaching or psychotherapy appointment 24/7 giving you the power to plan, reschedule and cancel bookings weeks in advance.

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