Know Vaginismus Treatment, Diagnosis, Causes And Symptoms

Vaginismus is a condition that makes it hard for women to easily do vaginal penetration. This muscle spasm that you can’t stop can cause a lot of physical and mental pain. We will talk about all the different parts of vaginismus in this detailed guide, such as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment choices.

What is Vaginismus?

The medical disease vaginismus occurs when the muscles around the vagina contract or spasm without the person meaning to. This spasmodic reaction makes penetration painful or impossible, whether it’s during a sexual encounter or a medical check. It is important to tell the difference between primary vaginismus and secondary vaginismus. Primary vaginismus has been present from the start of vaginal penetration attempts. Secondary vaginismus happens after a period of comfortable penetration.

Causes Of Vaginismus

To diagnose and treat vaginismus correctly, you need to know what causes it in the first place. The exact reason may be different for each person, but these are some of the most common ones:

Psychological Factors:

Vaginismus can be caused by anxiety or fear linked to sexual abuse, trauma, or other bad experiences in the past.

There may also be a role for cultural or religious views that connect sex with shame or guilt.

Physical Factors:

Vaginismus can be caused by infections or health problems in the groin area. The problem could be caused by trauma during childbirth or pelvic surgery. Problems in relationships:

Relationship Issues:     

Vaginismus can happen because of tense relationships, trouble communicating, or problems with sexuality.

Fear of Pain:

If you’ve had painful experiences while trying to penetrate, like with vulvodynia, you may become afraid of pain, which can lead to vaginismus.

Vaginismus Symptoms

Finding the symptoms of vaginismus is important for getting help right away. Some common symptoms and signs are:

Involuntary Muscle Contraction:

After the pelvic exam, you know the main sign that pelvic floor muscles closing up against your will, which makes penetration hard or impossible.

Painful Intercourse:

Attempts to penetrate, whether during sexual intercourse or medical exams, are usually painful and can make people feel bad.

Anxiety or Fear:

Women with vaginismus often feel anxious or scared because they know that insertion will hurt.

Avoidance of Sexual Activity:

People with vaginismus may avoid sexual behaviors because they have sexual dysfunction, which can cause problems in their relationships.

Diagnosis of Vaginismus:

A full evaluation of medical and psychological factors is needed to diagnose and treatment for vaginismus. The following methods can be used by healthcare providers:

Medical History:

For diagnosis, it is very important to talk in-depth about the patient’s medical history, including any traumatic events that may have happened in the past.

Physical Examination:

A check of the pelvis can help rule out any physical problems that might be causing the symptoms.

Psychological Evaluation:

As part of the diagnosis, psychological issues like sex-related anxiety or fear are looked at by a physical therapist

Interviews with patients:

To understand the emotional and mental parts of the patient’s experience, you must be able to talk to them openly.

Treatment Options for Vaginismus:

It is good that the treatment of vaginismus is available, and several things can be done to ease the symptoms:

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor:

Working with a physical trainer who specializes in pelvic floor health can help people learn relaxation and control the muscles in their pelvis.

Counseling and Psychotherapy:

Counseling for individuals or couples can help people with vaginismus deal with the psychological issues that cause it, like sex therapy which can help them get over trauma or worry.

Desensitization over time:

This is done with dilators or other tools that gradually and comfortably improve the ability to penetrate the vaginal canal.

Education and Talking to People:

As part of treatment, teaching people and their partners about vaginismus, encouraging open conversation, and offering support can be very helpful.

Interventions in medicine:

Sometimes, painkillers or topical anesthetics may be suggested to help with the worry and pain that come with penetration.

FAQs Regarding Management Of Vaginismus

How common is vaginismus?

Vaginismus happens to more people than most people think. It can happen to women of any age or background.

Does vaginismus have a cure?

If someone with vaginismus gets the right care, their symptoms can often get a lot better or go away completely.

Does vaginismus only happen after sexual trauma?

Having vaginismus can be caused by sexual trauma, but it can also be caused by worry, relationship problems, and health problems.

Are vaginismus and infertility linked?

Vaginismus doesn’t affect pregnancy directly, but the problems that come with it may make it harder for couples who are trying to get pregnant.

Conclusion

Understanding vaginismus, treating it with compassion, and handling it appropriately are essential. People and medical professionals can work together to treat this often upsetting condition by understanding its causes, signs, and vaginismus treatment choices. To get over vaginismus and get back to having a satisfying and comfortable sexual experience, it’s important to get help as soon as possible, encourage open conversation, and use a multidisciplinary approach.

Speaking out about vaginismus is important for making people more aware of it and making sure that people who have it get the help and support they need. With the right help, people can manage vaginismus effectively and live happy, healthy lives.

Dr Ritu Agarwal

Dr. Ritu Agarwal is an appreciated IVF expert in Jaipur for IVF therapy, owing to her more than ten years of experience in this field. She is the top IVF specialist in Jaipur who makes every attempt to provide correct counseling and emotional support to patients in order to help them find the ideal solution for becoming parents.