Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition that causes the muscles in the vagina to involuntarily tighten and tense up whenever penetration is attempted.

Symptoms

Vaginismus is considered to be both a psychological and gynaecological disorder. It is often the body’s automatic reaction to fear of penetration or sexual interaction.

Indications of vaginismus include:

• Stinging or burning sensation during sex

• Difficulty with vaginal penetration

• Struggling with painful tampon insertion

Causes

For many cases, a direct cause of Vaginismus is difficult to pinpoint, it can occur for a number of different reasons:

• Anxiety surrounding sex or just anxiety in general

• Trauma from past sexual experiences

• Can develop after or during another painful medical condition (ie. Thrush)

Treatment

Typically there has been a lot of shame or embarrassment surrounding vaginismus, however this should not be the case. Like many other vaginal or sexual health conditions, Vaginismus can be both upsetting and frustrating but it can be treated effectively.

Treatment is usually given by a specialist and focuses on exploring emotions towards sex and relaxation techniques. These can include:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

  • A type of talking therapy aimed at safely exploring your thoughts & feelings about sex and past experiences.

• Pelvic floor exercises

  • Vaginal exercises to help regain control over the muscles in the vagina.

• Dilator therapy

  • Tube shaped devices that come in a range of different sizes for vaginal insertion to slowly help penetration to be more comfortable.

Although vaginismus does not necessarily interfere with sexual arousal, it can make intercourse painful and significantly uncomfortable.

Sometimes vaginismus can occur even after previously enjoying painless penetrative sex.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for vaginismus.

Vaginismus

BY: VAGINAL HEALTH

UPDATED: 11/10/23

Vaginal Health Problems