subject: What You Must Know About Vaginismus [print this page] What You Must Know About Vaginismus What You Must Know About Vaginismus
The process of sexual intercourse is the one which is filled with lots of pleasure and love. However, when there is pain experienced by a woman while having sexual intercourse, then it really spoils the entire essence of intercourse. The major reason behind a woman experiencing pain during intercourse is Vaginismus. The majority of people, especially women, don't know about Vaginismus. If you are also experiencing pain during intercourse then you should know that you may be suffering from Vaginismus. However, what is Vaginismus? What are its symptoms? How can it be prevented? Is there any treatments available for Vaginismus? These must be the questions coming into your mind now. Here, you will find the answers to all these questions about Vaginismus.
What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles in the vagina which close-off the vaginal opening thereby making any kind of vaginal penetration painful. It is an uncommon condition and remains hidden as many women feel embarrassed to talk about painful intercourse. Due to this, the exact number of women affected by Vaginismus is also not known.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Vaginismus are pain or a burning sensation around the vaginal area while having sexual intercourse. The pain is sometimes so unbearable that it can make sexual intercourse almost impossible.
Prevention
There is, in fact, no known way through which you can prevent Vaginismus. However, it is always better if you have an open communication with your partner as this might help you to stop the worsening of the condition.
Causes
Vaginismus has several possible causes; these mostly include past sexual abuse or trauma, history of experiencing discomfort while having sex, psychological factors such as anxiety while having intercourse and others.
Tests
A pelvic exam can help you to know whether you are really suffering Vaginismus. Apart from this, a thorough physical exam and your medical history are also vital as it helps to eliminate the other causes of painful intercourse or Dyspareunia.
Can it be treated?
The answer is Yes, Vaginismus is highly treatable and a woman can eliminate the pain experienced while having sexual intercourse.
Whom to consult?
To treat the condition, you can either consult a gynecologist or a sex therapist that specializes in treating sexual dysfunctions
Treatment
Vaginismus can be easily treated by undergoing various treatment programs. It is best treated if the woman undergoes the treatment programs at her own pace and in a way that she thinks is the most suitable for her. The treatment includes a combination of counseling, education and behavioral exercises. You will have to undergo various types of exercises such as Kegel exercises, which will help you to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. The other type of treatment for Vaginismus includes vaginal dilation wherein a woman has to insert dilators into her vagina. The dilation process helps a woman to relieve the pain and prepares her to have pain free sexual intercourse.
How much time does it takes to cure?
Well, this depends from woman to woman as every woman has her own dedication and commitment towards treating the condition. The more committed the woman is towards her treatment program, the earlier she is able to get rid of her condition. There are also other factors such as overall health of the woman, the mode of treatment, support from partner, physician, that can affect the duration in which a woman can treat Vaginismus.
These were some of the major things, that you need to know about Vaginismus. If you are experiencing pain while having sexual intercourse, then it is advisable that you visit your physician or a gynecologist as soon as possible as the pain might be occurring due to Vaginismus.
