What is Vaginismus? Vaginismus Symptoms and Treatment

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction characterized by pain, fear or contractions that prevent a woman from vaginal penetration (such as intercourse or gynecological examination). This condition prevents the penis, fingers or other objects from entering the vagina during sexual intercourse due to contraction or narrowing of the vaginal walls. It occurs under the woman's involuntary control and often makes intercourse painful or even impossible.

The causes of vaginismus are complex and are often caused by a combination of psychological, emotional and physiological factors. For example, past sexual traumas, excessive anxiety, stress, bad sexual experiences, family and cultural factors may play a role in the development of vaginismus.

Treatment usually requires a multidisciplinary approach and may include counseling, sexual therapy, pelvic floor exercises, relaxation techniques and medical intervention when necessary. It is important to start treatment early and to feel comfortable during the treatment process.

What are the Types of Vaginismus?

There are two types of vaginismus. These are

Primary Vaginismus: Primary vaginismus is a type seen in women who have never tried sexual intercourse or have tried but have not been successful. This condition is characterized by contractions, pain or blockages that occur when a person thinks or tries to have sexual intercourse. Primary vaginismus is usually associated with a woman's particular level of fear or anxiety about sexual activity, resulting in involuntary contraction of the muscles of the vagina during an attempt at intercourse. This can make coitus almost impossible and cause the person to avoid the experience of sexual intercourse.

Secondary Vaginismus: Secondary vaginismus occurs when a woman was previously able to have intercourse without any problems, but later develops symptoms of vaginismus at a certain point. These symptoms can often occur after some kind of trauma, stress, a bad sexual experience or another sexual health problem. The woman may experience symptoms of vaginismus and experience contractions or pain that prevent intercourse, whereas before she was able to have intercourse without any problems. Secondary vaginismus can occur in women who have previously had healthy intercourse and can be caused by trauma or stress. This type of vaginismus can usually be treated by addressing the trauma or stressor.

In both types, vaginismus can often have a significant impact on a person's sexual health and relationships. Therefore, it is important to consult a health professional to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment methods.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that manifests itself with distinct symptoms. These symptoms can occur in a woman trying to have sexual intercourse or during a gynecological examination. Here are the common symptoms of vaginismus:

1. Vaginal Contractions: Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles. These contractions occur during a sexual intercourse attempt or gynecological examination. The contractions can be so strong that they can make it almost impossible for the penis, fingers or gynecological instruments to enter the vagina.
2. Pain or Discomfort: The contractions associated with vaginismus often cause pain or discomfort. This pain can intensify during intercourse or gynecological examinations and can negatively affect a person's quality of life.

3. Avoidance Behavior: People with vaginismus may tend to avoid intercourse or gynecological examinations. This avoidance behavior is associated with anxiety and fear in situations where sexual intercourse or gynecological examination is required.

4. Anxiety and Stress: People may experience anxiety (anxiety disorder) and stress associated with vaginismus. Intense anxiety and tendency to avoid situations such as having sexual intercourse or gynecological examination may be among the symptoms of vaginismus.

5. Mental Barriers: Vaginismus can be associated with negative thoughts about intercourse or gynecological examinations. The person may develop fears or anxieties about such experiences, and these thoughts can trigger symptoms of vaginismus.

6. Communication Difficulties: People with vaginismus may find it difficult to discuss sexual issues openly and comfortably. This can cause communication problems in relationships and lead to a lack of understanding between partners.

The symptoms of vaginismus can vary from person to person and the severity of symptoms can vary. However, in general, people with vaginismus experience fear, anxiety and vaginal contractions to have sexual intercourse. These symptoms require consultation with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Vaginismus?

The causes of vaginismus are complex and are usually caused by a combination of psychological, emotional and physiological factors. Firstly, the origin of vaginismus can often be linked to the woman's negative experiences towards sexual intercourse or gynecological examination. These can include bad sexual experiences, sexual abuse, physical or emotional trauma, cultural or religious pressures.

Psychologically, vaginismus is often associated with fears, anxieties or false beliefs about sexuality. For example, a false belief that sexual intercourse is painful or harmful can cause a person to develop symptoms of vaginismus. Psychological factors such as performance anxiety, lack of self-confidence or body image issues may also play a role in relation to vaginismus.

Emotionally, past relationship problems, family dynamics or traumatic events can be influential in the development of vaginismus. For example, emotional problems such as lack of confidence, anxiety disorders or depression can trigger or exacerbate vaginismus symptoms.

Physiologically, some women describe vaginismus as an excessive contraction or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles. This can cause the vagina to narrow and prevent sexual penetration. Excessive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles due to factors such as a congenital condition or post-traumatic contraction can be one of the physiological causes of vaginismus.

In conclusion, a combination of psychological, emotional and physiological factors often play a role in the development of vaginismus. Each individual's experience may be different and there may not be a specific cause of vaginismus. It is important to identify and address these factors during the treatment process.

What Are Other Sexual Problems Associated with Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is often considered part of the spectrum of sexual dysfunctions and can be associated with other sexual problems. These other sexual problems can include sexual reluctance, orgasm problems, sexual pain disorders, and other vaginal disorders accompanied by vaginismus. For example, a woman may have vaginismus and at the same time experience sexual reluctance or have difficulty having an orgasm because she feels pain during intercourse. Likewise, vaginismus can sometimes occur in combination with vaginal dryness or symptoms similar to vaginismus. Therefore, it is important that other sexual problems are also taken into consideration when treating vaginismus and treated if necessary. In this way, a person can achieve a comprehensive approach to improving their sexual health and improve their quality of life.

How is Vaginismus Diagnosed?

Vaginismus is usually diagnosed by a health professional through clinical assessment and physical examination. The first step is for the person to communicate openly and honestly with a healthcare professional to describe their symptoms and the problems they are experiencing. The health professional can assess the person's medical history, sexual history and the duration and severity of their symptoms.

During the physical examination, the doctor usually performs a pelvic examination. This is an examination to assess the condition of the vagina and pelvic floor muscles. The diagnosis of vaginismus is usually based on the presence of contractions and pain during vaginal penetration. The doctor may also perform an examination to determine if there are any physical problems with the vaginal walls or pelvic floor muscles.

Diagnosis may also include assessing the psychological and emotional components of vaginismus. This may focus on the person's beliefs, experiences and emotional state regarding sexuality. Understanding whether psychological and emotional factors contribute to the symptoms of vaginismus is important in determining the right treatment plan.

A diagnosis of vaginismus is often supported by the exclusion of other medical conditions. For example, tests can be performed to determine whether physical causes, such as vaginal infections or other pelvic floor disorders, are causing the symptoms of vaginismus.

Ultimately, a diagnosis of vaginismus is usually made after a thorough assessment and physical examination. This process is important to understand the person's symptoms, identify the underlying causes and create the appropriate treatment plan.