Frequently Asked Questions

• What is vaginismus?

  Vaginismus is when the pelvic floor muscles surrounding your vagina involuntarily contract, usually in response to attempts at penetration. This can make inserting tampons, getting a pelvic exam, and having penetrative sex difficult—or even impossible in some cases. Pain during penetrative sex could affect up to 1 in 5 women and people with vaginal anatomy.
  
  Vaginismus affects people of all ages and can manifest during the first penetration attempt or after many years of pain-free intercourse. Often it isn’t a single event, but the combination of different experiences that causes vaginismus. Vaginismus is often misunderstood as exclusively trauma-related. In reality, the majority of people experiencing vaginismus don’t are unaware of the specific factors that led to its development. Take our health assessment to help determine if you might be affected.

• Can I overcome it?

  Although the causes of vaginismus are still uncertain, its treatment is well documented. In fact, with the right care, vaginismus is treatable in over 90% of cases,  regardless of the severity level. Vaginismus is a complex condition and research shows that it is crucial to address the physical and the psychological challenges simultaneously. 
  
  Most people can overcome their vaginismus from the comfort of their home. Proven techniques include physical therapy exercises to help relax your pelvic floor muscles, as well as psychological exercises to rebuild the connection between your mind and body.

• What is HelloGina?

  HelloGina is the only evidence-based digital program helping people overcome unwanted pain during intercourse. You will learn self-management skills grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and pelvic floor exercises. It was developed by psychologists and psychotherapists and was scientifically-proven to achieve lasting effects.
  
  HelloGina is your sex coach, therapist, and personal trainer– all wrapped into one. It combines 9 modules of interactive content and practical exercises where you will reflect, learn, and practice  proven techniques. You will get to know your body better through self-discovery exercises, feel less burdened by the fears and pain related to penetration, and gradually improve the possibility of vaginal penetration. Ultimately, you’ll discover new forms of pleasure which you can practice with a partner. You’ll be assigned  a coach who will be there for you every step of the way. Finally, you’ll have the tools to track your progress and set goals at the push of a button. 

• How does HelloGina work? 

  Our program has higher rates of improvement compared to face-to-face group therapy or bibliotherapy (reading a book). Two studies have shown that HelloGina can have both short and long-term effects on sexual function, with a satisfaction rate of 97.22%. Many individuals have reported significant improvements within a 12-week timeframe. Your consistent effort and active participation in the therapy exercises and techniques are key to achieving the best results.
  
  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety and fear during penetration. By addressing the psychological factors, individuals can develop healthier attitudes and coping mechanisms, reducing muscle tension and discomfort.
  
  Pelvic floor exercises involve targeted exercises and techniques to relax and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Through guided sessions and personalized plans, individuals can learn to alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and regain control over their pelvic floor, leading to reduced pain and increased comfort during intercourse. 

• Will HelloGina work for me?

  HelloGina is here to support you, no matter the severity of your symptoms or your relationship status. We understand that everyone's journey is unique, and we are committed to providing you with the tools and motivation to achieve your goals. We know HelloGina has life altering potential, however, if you are not satisfied with the program, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

• How does HelloGina use a mind-body approach?

  Pushing through the pain won’t solve the problem. At HelloGina, we start by asking you about what you hope to get out of the program. Then we’ll teach you how to lovingly work together with your body so you can change your relationship to vaginal penetration and create new, healthy habits that last.

• What is the role of the coach?

  Upon signing up for the program, you will be assigned a dedicated HelloGina coach who will be with you throughout your journey. Your coach will be a psychologist who has received specialized training in supporting people on their vaginismus journey. Half of the team are licensed psychotherapists, and the other half are in training. 
  
  Your coach's role is to provide support every step of the way. They will remind you to log on, answer your questions, and keep you motivated. We understand that it can be challenging to talk about personal experiences, which is why the coach's support is exclusively text-based.

• How long after purchase do I have access to HelloGina?

  After the purchase, you will immediately receive an email with a sign-up link. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll complete a short onboarding process and can get started with your healing journey.
  
  You can watch the lessons as many times as you want. Although the program was designed to be completed in 12 weeks, we provide 1 year access to the content and the coach. 

• Is HelloGina confidential?

  Yes, HelloGina takes confidentiality seriously and has implemented measures to protect your privacy and personal information.
  
  We are proud to be ISO 27001 certified, which means our information security management system meets international standards, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data. Additionally, we are GDPR compliant, meaning we adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation. This ensures that your personal data is handled responsibly, with strict safeguards in place to protect your privacy and provide you with control over how your information is used.