Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina tighten involuntarily when trying to insert something into it. This condition causes pain, discomfort, and even makes penetration impossible.
This condition can happen to all women. Usually when someone has sex for the first time or when they first put in a tampon, even during a pelvic exam at the hospital.
Types of Vaginismus
There are four types of vaginismus, as follows:
- Primary
This type is known when the sufferer has never succeeded in penetration. This condition can last a lifetime and requires therapy with a specialist doctor to overcome it. - Secondary
This type of sufferer has previously succeeded in penetration, but can no longer do so. This condition is usually triggered by certain medical problems, such as infections and menopause. Psychological factors can also cause this condition. - Situational
This condition is known when the sufferer feels symptoms of vaginismus only during certain penetrations. For example, the sufferer does not feel pain during intercourse, but pain occurs when using a tampon. - Global
People with this condition experience symptoms of vaginismus during any type of penetration. This type can be primary or secondary.
What Causes Vaginismus?
The cause of vaginismus is not yet known for certain. However, this condition can occur due to a combination of psychological, physical, and emotional factors. Here are some of the causes:
1. Psychological and Emotional Factors
There are many cases of vaginismus related to mental and emotional conditions, such as:
- Fear of sex. Due to lack of sexual education, certain beliefs, or negative myths.
- Sexual trauma. Past sexual abuse can trigger an automatic response from the body to reject penetration.
- Anxiety and stress. Excessive anxiety before having sex can cause vaginal muscles to tense up.
- Previous painful experiences. If you have experienced pain during sex, your body may remember it and react with muscle spasms when you do it again.
2. Physical or Medical Factors
Medical conditions can also cause or worsen vaginismus:
- Vaginal infections. Pain during penetration can also be caused by yeast or urinary tract infections.
- Had pelvic area surgery.
- Endometriosis or ovarian cysts. This condition can trigger pelvic pain and cause the body to reject penetration.
- Lack of vaginal lubrication.
- Ever given birth.
- Experiencing menopause.
Symptoms of Vaginismus
People with vaginismus will generally feel involuntary vaginal muscle spasms, especially when they want to penetrate. Symptoms of vaginismus are as follows:
- Pain during penetration attempts.
- Difficulty or even impossible to penetrate.
- Muscle spasms or difficulty breathing when starting sexual intercourse.
- Feeling sexual pain that lasts for a long time without any clear reason.
- Feelings of excessive fear or anxiety when about to penetrate.
How to Treat Vaginismus?
Overcoming vaginismus requires a holistic approach, including physical therapy, psychological therapy, and sexual education. The first step is to come to a specialist doctor for a consultation and examination to determine whether what is experienced is vaginismus or whether there is an anatomical abnormality that can be corrected first. Here are some ways that can help:
- Education and Understanding
Vaginismus sufferers will be given an understanding of anatomy and body responses during sexual intercourse. This is done to reduce the sufferer's fear during penetration attempts. - Pelvic Muscle Exercises
Doctors will recommend Kegel exercises to people with vaginismus, to improve their ability to control the pelvic floor muscles. - Vaginal Dilator Therapy
This therapy uses a tube-shaped tool of various sizes to help widen the vagina, provide a relaxing effect, and reduce pain during sexual intercourse. - Psychotherapy
This method is done to help patients recognize, express, and deal with the emotional factors that cause vaginismus. - Sex Therapy
This therapy aims to help sufferers and their partners improve the quality of their sexual relationships. - Jelly/Lubricant
The doctor will also give vaginismus sufferers jelly/lubricant with or without lidocaine content which functions as a pain reliever in the vagina during sexual intercourse.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience pain during sex or when you insert a tampon. This condition can interfere with your quality of life and your relationship with your partner.
Consult your vaginismus problem to your gynecologist so that it can be handled properly. The doctor can provide solutions to your condition and prescribe medication if necessary.
Don't be embarrassed to seek medical help. Vaginismus is a treatable condition. The sooner vaginismus is treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Article written by dr. Caroline Tirtajasa, Sp.OG (K) (Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility & Reproductive Hormone Specialist, Laparoscopic Surgeon at EMC Pulomas Hospital).