What Is Vaginismus?
When anything enters a woman’s vagina, such as a tampon or a penis, the muscles of her vagina constrict or spasm. It might be somewhat irritating to quite severe.
Vaginismus is divided into two categories:
Primary
This occurs when a woman has discomfort when something enters her vagina, such as a penis (known as penetrative sex), or when she is unable to insert anything into her vagina. Lifelong vaginismus is another name for it.
Secondary
This is when a woman has previously experienced painless sex but now finds it difficult or impossible. Acquired vaginismus is another name for it.
Vaginismus Symptoms
Dyspareunia (painful sex) is generally the initial indicator of vaginismus. Penetration is the only thing that causes pain. It frequently, but not always, goes away after discontinuation.
Some women describe it as a burning or a feeling like the penis is “hitting a wall.”
When inserting a tampon or having a pelvic exam at the doctor’s office, many women with vaginismus experience pain.
Other vaginismus symptoms include:
Being unable to have penetrative intercourse or use a tampon in any way
- Fear of sex or pain
- Sexual drive declines
- These symptoms are involuntary, which means that without therapy, a woman will be unable to control them.
Causes of Vaginismus
Doctors are baffled as to why vaginismus occurs. It’s frequently tied to a fear of having sex or anxiety about having sex. However, it’s not often apparent if the vaginismus or the anxiousness developed first.
Vaginismus affects some women in all settings and with all objects. Others only have it in particular situations, such as with one spouse but not with others. Alternatively, people may experience it during sexual activity but not with tampons or during medical examinations.
Infections and dryness are two other health issues that can cause painful intercourse. It’s critical to consult a doctor to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Diagnosis of Vaginismus
Your physician will inquire about your symptoms as well as your medical and sexual histories.
They’ll perform a pelvic check to rule out any other health issues that might be causing the pain. Before you can handle the exam, you may require some therapy. Your doctor will move carefully and softly while explaining what they’re doing.
Treatment for Vaginismus
Women with vaginismus can learn to regulate and relax the muscles surrounding their vagina by doing exercises at home. This is known as gradual desensitisation, and the goal is to become used to insertion.
To begin, do Kegel exercises by squeezing the same muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine:
- Squeeze the muscles together.
- Hold them in place for 2–10 seconds.
- Muscles should be relaxed.
At a time, do around 20 Kegels. You may perform them as many times as you like during the day.
After a few days, while completing the exercises, place one finger into your vagina, up to the first knuckle joint. You might wish to start by clipping your fingernails and applying lubricating lotion. Alternatively, you may perform the exercises in a bathtub, where water acts as a natural lubricant.
Begin with one finger and gradually increase to three. Your vaginal muscles will tighten around your finger, and you may simply remove it if you don’t feel comfortable.
You’ll be allowed to implant cone-shaped inserts into your vagina for 10 to 15 minutes after a time to assist your muscles become acclimated to pressure.
Therapy can help women whose vaginismus is caused by worry or anxiety.
