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Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that makes intercourse impossible. A woman struggling with vaginismus before attempting sexual contact feels a very painful, independent of her will, contraction of the vaginal muscles that closes her opening. What are the causes and symptoms of vaginismus? What is the treatment?

Vaginismus - what is it?

Vaginismus(Marion-Sims syndrome,vaginismus ) is a sexual dysfunction involving a strong, very painful, reflex, involuntary contraction the muscle that closes the vaginal opening when attempting intercourse, which prevents the penis from entering the vagina. The contractions are bigger the closer you are to trying to have sex.

Vaginismus can affect women of all ages, but very young patients often struggle with it.

Vaginismus - causes

Vaginismus can be a psychological disorder and result from e.g. traumatic sexual experiences, e.g. failed sexual initiation, rape, childhood sexual abuse, partner violence, etc.

Another cause of vaginismus can be the fear of pain during intercourse, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, sperm disgust, etc.

The fear of sexual intercourse can also be a symptom of a more general anxiety neurosis or an exaggerated fear of pain. According to some, vaginismus can also be a defensive reaction in the case of unconscious homosexual tendencies or the result of disturbed partnerships.

An important factor in the development of vaginismus is also inadequate sexual education and the related ignorance of the structure and functions of the genital organs, as well as false ideas about intercourse, related pains, and doubts whether the penis is too large.

The way you are brought up is also important - if a woman was brought up with the belief that sex is wrong and immoral, she may suffer from vaginismus at a later age.

The partner's sexual dysfunctions (e.g. erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation) may also contribute to the development of this condition.

Experts argue that vaginismus may also be the result of the interaction of physical and mental factors in the area of ​​female sexual organs. For example, cracks and ulcers in the genitals oreven their surroundings (or other diseases) along with the existing nervous (and indirectly muscle) hypersensitivity lead to contractions of the vulvovaginal muscles, and thus make intercourse impossible.

Vaginismus - symptoms

If every time the penis (and in some women also a speculum, tampon or other foreign body) is brought closer to the vagina, its opening is closed by a strong muscle contraction, it can be called vaginismus. However, the closure of the vaginal opening can occur even while imagining that penetration might occur. In addition, some women may also experience thigh muscle spasm when they try to have sexual contact or insert a speculum or vaginal tampon.

What is worth emphasizing, the contraction does not occur in moments not related to sexual arousal. In addition, women with vaginismus do not allow vaginal penetration, but they can enjoy foreplay, petting or femoral intercourse (a type of sex in which the man places his penis between his partner's thighs and performs frictional movements, or the partner stimulates the penis by rhythmically rubbing it with his thighs).

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Vaginismus and dyspareunia

Vaginismus is often confused with dyspareunia, i.e. pain during intercourse. The main difference is that in dyspareunia there is intercourse, and pain can arise both during and after it. In addition, dyspareunia is more common in menopausal and older women, which is the result of a decrease in the level of sex hormones.

Vaginismus - diagnosis

In addition to the gynecological examination, you should also perform microbiological tests, general blood and urine tests, and a hormone panel.

Vaginismus - treatment

A woman struggling with vaginismus should first see a gynecologist. The problem is that he may also feel anxious about the gynecological examination. If so, education and sex therapy are recommended prior to visiting a doctor.

In addition, you may need anxiolytics, relaxants, and painkillers.

Some specialists believe that the best method of treating vaginismus is gradually inserting larger and larger objects into the vagina (e.g. dilators, fingers). At first, penetration can take place independently, and then with the participation of a partner.

AuthorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish Woman in Europe", organized by the Association"Journalists for He alth", as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Sex problems