How to Recognize and Treat Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a female medical condition in which a woman experiences pain upon penetration of the penis into the vagina during intercourse due to the involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscles surrounding the vagina. Vaginismus can be experienced by women at any age or time in life. The symptoms of burning, intense pain and physical discomfort can occur during sexual intercourse--or in severe cases, the pelvic muscles contract so tightly that penetration is impossible. This condition can affect a woman in many ways--physically, emotionally and psychologically--and is a common cause of sexual problems in intimate relationships and marriages. Overcoming vaginismus together can help a couple to connect at a deeper level and make their bond stronger, happier and healthier. This article will help you to understand vaginismus and find ways to seek help and treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Vaginismus can be classified into primary and secondary vaginismus. The former type usually occurs in women who are experiencing pain associated with their first attempt at sexual intercourse. Secondary vaginismus happens later in the woman's life after experiencing a painful or traumatic medical condition, a gynecological problem or post-surgery procedure.
2. The cause of vaginismus is thought to be a mix of physical or non-physical factors that cause the body to anticipate pain even at the thought of having sex or during the act of penetration. Sex becomes uncomfortable or painful which can escalate each time the woman engages in intercourse. This can result in creating a vaginismus "cycle of pain" that will cause the woman to stop having sex or withdraw from intimacy due to the fear and anxiety of the intense pain associated with the sex act.
3. Physical triggers of vaginismus can be from fear or anticipation of intercourse pain, severe anxiety, failure to perform and rejection from the partner or spouse. A woman who had been abused sexually or emotionally or was subjected to negative or unbalanced religious teaching can be at a higher predisposition to vaginismus.
   
   
   
   Medical conditions can be major causes for secondary vaginismus. Gynecological issues, pelvic problems, history of reproductive surgery or sexual abuse and rape cases are all triggers for secondary vaginismus.
4. Some of the signs and symptoms can be complaints of a burning, stinging sensation during sex and the partner having difficulty penetrating the vagina. The woman may also complain of pain that cannot be explained from any physical or medical problems (pain of an unknown origin). She will increasingly refrain and eventually withdraw from engaging in sex and complain of painful muscle spasm in the lower back or inner thigh area during sex.
5. Diagnosis of vaginismus is by physical examination and patient history by a OBGyn to rule out other medical or physical causes of the pain.
   
   
   
   Some physical therapists specialize in female reproductive problems, pelvic floor and sexual pain disorders and will help the woman plan and implement a home treatment therapy to overcome the problems associated with vaginismus. Specialists or trained health care personnel who can help a woman with this condition are sex therapists, counselors and psychologists. Do the research and find out the particular training, credentials and years of experience they have with vaginismus before consulting with these professionals.
6. Vaginismus is treatable and the treatments are highly effective. There are many programs offered by trained health care professionals which can be done in a clinic setting or in the privacy of your home. Treatment will usually consist of a combination of exercises concentrating on controlling and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles together with mental, psychological and behavioral exercises to address the emotional components of the condition.

Tips & Warnings

• There are books and products available that will teach you how to treat the condition, including some techniques to overcome the problems associated with vaginismus. A couple of books I recommend are: "Completely Overcome Vaginismus" (3rd Edition) by Mark & Lisa Carter (2 Book Set) and "A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Sexual Fear & Pain" by Aurelie Jones Goodwin and Marc E. Agronin (1997).
• Certain organizations may be helpful in locating vaginismus treatment professionals (see links in Resources below).
• This article is not a substitute or replacement for seeking medical attention from your own medical physician or health care professional.
• Always consult your own medical doctor before starting new alternative treatments or therapies or any new herbal supplements.