A condition that could be affecting a small number of women, vaginismus is an uncontrolled and involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles. These spasms could lead to sex being painful, leading to both physical and psychological damage. It is an uncommon condition, but can be very damaging to both the individual and a relationship. It’s important that you speak to your GP if you think you may have the condition so that they can help you find a treatment that works for you. If it isn’t treated, vaginismus can become a natural response and as such can get worse over time. The condition is usually a response to previous trauma or sex-related emotional damage. The fear of the pain triggers a painful muscle spasm that means the brain then continues to link pain with sex. However, sometimes there is no cause and the condition simply occurs. There are two forms of vaginismus – primary and secondary. Primary vaginismus is connected with women who have never had a successful session of sexual intercourse due to the anticipation of the main event. Secondary vaginismus is diagnosed in women who have had successful intercourse in the past. There are known risk factors which include a history of sexual trauma or abuse, painful first intercourse, a frightening childhood medical procedure, sexual inhibition, a fear of getting pregnant and a memory of previous pain during sex, such as from surgery or infection.
The symptoms vary between women but tend to involve the inability to have sex without feeling some pain. Some women may also find that they experience pain when they insert a tampon or when performing pelvic exams. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and medical history, as well as performing a physical exam. This exam can be a great way to determine if you have the condition, as you may experience a spasm during the exam itself. The insertion of a speculum may even be impossible, or in severe cases local anesthesia may even be necessary. Sex is meant to be pleasurable and never painful. If you are experiencing pain during intercourse, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible as this may be a sign of an infection or another health problem. Early detection of the problem may help with the treatment, particularly with vaginismus – if you can resolve the issue early on, it may help to bridge the gap between you and your partner, as well as limit the amount of discomfort that you have to go through.
There are several ways to treat the condition, including kegel exercising. Because they involve a repetitive contraction movement and then a relaxation of the pelvic muscles, the exercises can help to improve the control of the muscles. You can also try vaginal dilation exercises which involve using your fingers or a plastic instrument known as a dilator to gradually increase the size and flexibility of your vagina. Once you’ve reached a certain tolerance, you can attempt sexual intercourse. The programme is observed by a healthcare provider so that there is no risk of injury. Educational treatment is a great way of dealing with this problem, as fear of sex is often a large part of the disorder. During this form of treatment, women are taught about sex and how it works, including common sex myths and the sexual response cycle. Lastly, counselling may prove to be effective for some women. Depending on what is causing your problem, you may find it useful to speak to a therapist about your issues.
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