Ladies, have you ever been madly in love with your boyfriend, yet the prospect of physical intimacy with him makes you nervous and uncomfortable? Not only that, but you also realize that attempts at intimacy causes you agonizing pain. You may feel confused and frustrated at this point. You gradually withdraw, fearing that you are broken or inadequate. Why does that appear to be a challenge for you? This condition could be vaginismus.
Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles surrounding the vagina constrict involuntarily, making penetration uneasy or difficult. According to Konkan et al., “although there is a limited number of studies, prevalence of vaginismus was reported 1-6% in the general population and 5-17% among admissions to sexual dysfunction outpatient clinics.” It can have a substantial impact on quality of life, straining relationships and harming self-esteem and mental well-being.
Causes of Vaginismus
Vaginismus can be caused by both physical and psychological factors.
Physical factors include issues like:
- Infection
- Trauma
- Hormonal Imbalance
Meanwhile, psychological factors include:
- Anxiety
- Fearof pain
- Post traumatic experiences
- Cultural or religious beliefs
Vaginismus is commonly associated with a history of sexual trauma or abuse, certain medical problems such as endometriosis, and delivery experiences.
However, not everyone with these risk factors will develop vaginismus.
Symptoms of Vaginismus
Common symptoms of vaginismus:
- Pain or discomfort during attempted penetration
- Involuntary muscle contractions around the vagina
- Anxiety or fear related to intimacy
Diagnosis of Vaginismus
It is necessary to get professional help since other disorders, such as vulvodynia (chronic discomfort in the vulva) or pelvic floor dysfunction (problems with the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region), can lead to symptoms similar to vaginismus.
In order to identify between these conditions, a healthcare provider might perform a comprehensive physical examination and ask about your medical history. This procedure helps to guarantee that the correct diagnosis is established, resulting in optimal treatment planning suited to your unique needs.
Treatment For Vaginismus
When it comes to treating vaginismus, there are several treatments available, including pelvic floor therapy to relax and strengthen your pelvic muscles, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address any psychological reasons, dilator therapy to progressively alleviate any discomfort, and medication.
To ensure that your treatment plan is effective, you should consult with skilled healthcare specialists who can personalize it for you. While pelvic floor and dilator therapy can improve muscle control and reduce pain, they may also cause discomfort during treatment. CBT can assist with anxiety and fear, but improvements may not be immediate. Remember that while medication can assist with pain and anxiety, it is not appropriate for everyone.
