A few months ago we wrote about HelloBetter‘s 12-week vaginismus program. At the time the company had achieved a milestone in Germany as the local government government added the program to its DiGA directory after the app successfully completed the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices’ assessment procedure. The DiGa database is essentially a collection of regulated digital health products reimbursed via the government’s fast-track program. An adapted version of the program, known in Germany as Vaginismus Plus, is now available in the U.S. under the new brand name HelloGina.
According to the NHS “vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. Whenever penetration is attempted, your vaginal muscles tighten up on their own. You have no control over it. Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex. Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.” Treatment of vaginismus usually includes psychosexual therapy, relaxation techniques, pelvic floor exercises or vaginal trainers.
HelloGina’s digital therapeutic combines interactive content, science-backed techniques, goal setting, and personal support via in-app coaches.
