What do you need to know about vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition involving a muscle spasm in the pelvic floor muscles. It can make it painful, difficult, or even impossible to have sexual intercourse, to undergo a gynecological exam, and to insert a tampon because of an involuntary muscle contraction.
There are different forms of vaginismus and symptoms vary between individuals.
Pain can range from mild to severe, and it can cause different sensations.
Muscles involved are the ones responsible for urination, intercourse, orgasm, bowel movements, and childbirth. In some cases, spasm of these muscles can even lead to muscle spasm in the whole body, pain, and temporary stopping of breathing.
The cause can be emotional factors, medical factors, or both.
Treatment is a combination of physical and emotional exercises and is usually effective.
Left without treatment, it can lead to frustration and distress, and it may get worse over time.
What are the types of vaginismus?
Primary vaginismus:
The pain has always been present. It will be difficult to use a tampon and to undergo a gynecological exam.
Secondary vaginismus:
This develops after a woman has already experienced normal sexual function. It has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life.
Can be caused by infection, menopause, a traumatic event, development of a medical condition, relationship issues, surgery, or childbirth.
Even after any underlying medical condition is corrected, pain can continue as the body remembers and has learned what was the sensation after certain activities.
Global vaginismus:
Vaginismus is always present, and any object will trigger it.
Situational vaginismus
This occurs only in certain situations. It may happen during sex but not during gynecological exams or tampon insertion.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms vary between individuals:
- painful intercourse (dyspareunia), with tightness and pain that may be burning or stinging
- penetration being difficult or impossible
- long-term sexual pain with or without a known cause
- pain during tampon insertion
- pain during a gynecological examination
- generalized muscle spasm or breathing cessation during attempted intercourse
- Pain can range from mild to severe in nature and from discomfort to burning in sensation.
What are the causes?
The cause is physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. By the time it can become anticipatory, which means it happens because the person expects it to happen.
Emotional triggers:
- fear, for example, of pain or pregnancy
- anxiety, about performance or because of guilt
- relationship problems, for example, having an abusive partner or feelings of vulnerability
- traumatic life events, including rape or a history of abuse
- childhood experiences, such as the portrayal of sex while growing up or exposure to sexual images
Physical triggers:
- infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection
- health conditions, such as cancer or lichen sclerosis
- childbirth
- menopause
- pelvic surgery
- inadequate foreplay
- insufficient vaginal lubrication
- medication side effects
What is the treatment?
To diagnose vaginismus, a doctor will take a medical history and carry out a pelvic examination. Any possible underlying causes, such as an infection, may need to be ruled out or treated first, before focusing on the vaginismus.
The aim is to reduce the automatic tightening of the muscles and the fear of pain and to deal with any other type of fear that may be related to the problem.
Treatment may involve different specialists, depending on the cause and is usually a combination of the following:
- Pelvic floor control exercises
- Education and counseling
- Emotional exercises
- Reducing sensitivity to the insertion
- Insertion or dilation training
The time it takes for vaginismus to be successfully treated will depend on the individual.
It is very rare that vaginismus needs surgery.
Anyone who is concerned about symptoms relating to vaginismus should speak with their health provider for evaluation.
If you need any support with finding the right specialist for your concern feels free to contact Health Oasis. To us the message klick here.
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