After experiencing vaginismus for over 15 years, Lauren found a treatment approach that finally worked - and it looked very different from the clinical, physical therapy-style dilation she'd tried before.

In this conversation, Lauren opens up about her journey from her first painful gynecologist visit at age 12 through years of inadequate medical advice ("just relax" and "have a glass of wine"), to discovering what actually helped: an arousal-first approach to dilating that prioritized pleasure over protocol.

Lauren shares the practical details of her routine - how she started so slowly she didn't even use dilators at first, why she incorporated audio porn and a magic wand into every session, and how she worked with her husband to build arousal skills before ever attempting penetrative sex together. She also discusses the role that going off birth control played in reconnecting with her libido and menstrual cycle, and how understanding her body's natural rhythms helped her succeed.

This episode offers concrete, actionable insights for anyone struggling with vaginismus, while also exploring the emotional and relational impact of living with pain. Lauren's story is a reminder that healing doesn't have to follow a rigid formula - and that sometimes the key is making the process feel less like physical therapy and more like something you actually want to do.

Connect with Lauren on instagram @tcsbooks

Connect with Mathilde on instagram @meet.baubo or mathilde@baubo.org

This episode isn't just about dating and relationships - though we definitely talk about that. It's about how vaginismus can impact every corner of your life: your confidence at work, whether you feel like an imposter in your career, how you express yourself creatively through movement or dance, your ability to assert yourself in everyday situations, and the mental space it occupies in your mind.

Are you postponing not just dating, but living fully until your vaginismus is "fixed"? Do you feel broken, unworthy, or like you're somehow less than because of sexual pain?

This episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start reclaiming your worth NOW.

I'm joined by Dr. Janelle Frederick (@vaginarehabdoctor), pelvic floor physical therapist and vaginismus specialist, for what might be the most important conversation you hear this year about self-worth, living fully with vaginismus, and why the narrative of being "broken" needs to end.

This isn't just another clinical discussion about pelvic floor dysfunction - this is a raw, honest pep talk about why you're worthy of love RIGHT NOW, how to show up confidently in all areas of your life despite vaginismus, and how healing goes far beyond just being able to have pain-free sex.

Dr. Janelle brings her signature bold, refreshing approach - she's unfiltered, empowering, and refuses to let you stay stuck in shame. She shares powerful client transformations, including a dancer who couldn't access her sensual expression because of vaginismus, and medical professionals who felt like imposters despite their expertise.

About Dr. Janelle Howell: Dr. Janelle Howell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in helping women overcome vaginismus, vulvodynia, and chronic sexual pain through her virtual practice. She combines physical therapy expertise with mindset work, addressing both the body and beliefs that keep women stuck.

Resources mentioned:

• Vaginismus to Vagilicious Challenge (yearly January challenge)
• Dr. Janelle's Podcast: “The Vagina Rehab Doctor Podcast”
• Follow Dr. Janelle on IG: @vaginarehabdoctor

• MELT Challenge for softening your pelvic floor

Connect with us on IG: @meet.baubo

As the year closes, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you - to everyone who's listened, shared, and reached out.

In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far, share a personal update on my own journey, and talk about about why fact-checking and accountability matter so much when it comes to information about women's bodies.

Your feedback shapes this podcast. If you ever want to talk, suggest a topic, or question something you've heard here - I'm listening!

Follow along on @meet.baubo or reach out to me mathilde@baubo.org