Many women discover this problem the very first time they attempt to have sex. This is called primary vaginismus Other women develop vaginismus later in life, which is secondary vaginismus. So, it is important not to discount this key symptom just because you have been sexually active without pain in the past.
unconsummated marriage ongoing sexual discomfort or pain following childbirth, yeast/urinary infections, STIs, IC, hysterectomy, cancer and surgeries, rape, or menopause ongoing sexual pain of unknown origin halted breathing during attempts at intercourse
Remember that this avoidance is not your fault, and is caused by your body’s involuntary association of sex with pain.
The vaginismus may have an obvious physical cause, like an infection, injury, or hypersensitive nerves at the opening of the vagina (provoked vulvodynia). [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Unfortunately, female sexuality and sexual dysfunction are not fully understood. You may run into medical personnel who dismiss your symptoms or fail to help you. In this case, be persistent about getting a diagnosis and treatment. If your doctor does not help you, see another who has experience treating vaginismus and other forms of female sexual dysfunction. Other possible diagnoses are apareunia, a general term for inability to have sexual intercourse (of which vaginismus is one type), and dyspareunia, which refers broadly to pain during sexual intercourse. These diagnoses will push your treatment forward, providing the opportunity to arrange a team of experts.
When negative underlying beliefs about sex start at a young age, another potential component of vaginismus comes into play–lack of proper sexual education.
sexual abuse by someone familiar sexual assault pelvic trauma domestic violence highly negative early sexual experiences with a consensual partner
urinary tract infections and other urinary problems sexually transmitted infections cancer of the sexual or reproductive organs endometriosis pelvic inflammatory disease vulvodynia or vestibulodynia Medical procedures involving female reproductive organs, like hysterectomies, can also cause vaginismus.
Secondary vaginismus can also result from a fear of having children or going through childbirth. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Some research even suggests that symptoms of vaginismus are part of general defense mechanisms that are triggered in threatening situations. This suggests that it need not always be viewed as a primarily sexual dysfunction. [13] X Research source
Treatment outcomes are much more positive when the woman and her sexual partner are motivated, cooperative, and resolve to lessen relationship conflicts. So, a couple’s psychological evaluation is a great beginning to treatment. [15] X Research source If your vaginismus is connected to anxiety issues or past sexual trauma, a therapist can help you deal with these issues so you can start to move forward. One particular type of therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be especially helpful to some women. CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts and behaviors, and a cognitive behavioral therapist can help you change your thoughts and behaviors regarding avoidance of sexual intercourse[16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source .
This is the same method used for self-treatment, with the addition of a guide who can help you continue on your own with confidence and success. [19] X Research source
teach you breathing and relaxation techniques help you learn pelvic floor muscle contraction to control your pelvic floor muscles
Some doctors recommend doing Kegel exercises with a finger inserted into your vagina (you can work up to three fingers). Using your finger allows you to feel the muscle contracting in order to better control its movements.
To begin, bear down as you would when having a bowel movement. This helps enlarge the vaginal opening. Then, insert fingers (not the dilators yet) into your vagina, continuing to push or bear down. When you begin using the dilators, leave them in for 10 to 15 minutes. The vaginal muscles will become used to the pressure. [23] X Research source If you have a spouse or partner, you may want to ask this person to help you insert the dilators. [24] X Research source
When you do try to have sex, go very slowly, use plenty of lubricant, and experiment to find the most comfortable positions. Doctors typically suggest that women hold the penetrative object and place it partially or completely in their vagina as they have done with vaginal dilators. This applies equally to penises, dildos, and vibrators. [25] X Research source
