Vaginismus

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is defined as persistent or recurrent difficulties of a woman to allow vaginal entry of a penis, finger and/or any object, despite her expressed wish to do so.

This is attributed to involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina during attempted intercourse, when touching the vagina, or during tampon insertion or vaginal examination. This unpleasant sensation makes it difficult for couples to have pain-free intercourse, which affects plans for conception.

There are two types of vaginismus:

1. Vaginismus in women who have never achieved pain-free vaginal penetration is termed as “Primary Vaginismus”. 
2. “Secondary Vaginismus” applies to a woman who has experienced non-painful intercourse in the past but reports of vaginal penetration difficulty subsequently.

Causes

The cause of vaginismus is unknown. It is, however, often associated with the following:

• Lack of sexual knowledge
• Negative sexual views 
• Fear and anxiety issues (hymen state, penis being too big, of the thought of something penetrating), 
• Strict sexual upbringing,
• Religious influences
• Traumatic sexual experiences.

Secondary vaginismus may develop in some women after childbirth, post gynaecological surgery or treatment, or after menopause.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vaginismus vary in women. Women may report one or more of the following: 

• Pain or discomfort during attempt of penetrative intercourse  
• Fear and anxiety with vaginal examination due to anticipation of pain 
• Difficulty with using tampon
• Partner has difficulty finding the vaginal opening or feels like he is “hitting a wall” during attempted penetration

Is Vaginismus Treatable? 

Yes! Women living with vaginismus should not suffer in silence. There have been several studies showing vaginismus can be successfully treated with conservative management.

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist will be able to guide you through your recovery by developing awareness, regaining control of your pelvic floor muscles, improve mobility, and overcome pain and anxiety of vaginal penetration. 

Physiotherapy management will involve a combination of the following techniques: 

• Patient education
• Relaxation exercises
• Desensitization therapy
• Pelvic floor control exercises 
• Manual therapy techniques
• Dilation training

Do not be embarrassed or suffer from your condition any further. Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists are here to help! Feel free to contact us at 84813151 for more information or to arrange an appointment.