“Vaginismus is the involuntary tension or contraction of the muscles around the vagina. Anxiety disorders, injuries and negative feelings about sex are to blame."
Vaginismus is an automatic reaction that occurs as a result of fear. This condition causes the muscles around the vagina to tighten every time penetration. However, this muscle tension does not affect a woman's ability to become aroused.
Vaginismus sometimes occurs suddenly during sexual activity. Discomfort comes with pain, for both the woman and her partner. So, what causes vaginismus?
This Is What Causes Vaginismus
Vaginismus causes physical, psychological and sexual problems. The intensity of the pain can get worse due to urinary tract infections and fungal infections. The following factors also play a role:
- Anxiety disorder.
- The vaginal opening is too narrow.
- Injuries during childbirth such as tears in the vagina.
- Operations in the area around the vagina.
- Health problems such as canker sores at the mouth of the vagina.
- Fear of engaging in sexual activity or negative feelings about sex. This occurs as a result of sexual abuse, rape or past trauma.
Vaginismus can affect your sex life and relationship with your partner. Mental health is disrupted due to increased anxiety. Vaginismus makes it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Understand the Symptoms and Treat It Appropriately
Signs of vaginismus include:
- Discomfort or pain during penetration.
- Inability to have sex due to muscle spasms or pain.
- Intimate relationships are painful.
- Pain when using tampons.
The doctor will perform a pelvic exam to determine muscle tension when you experience the symptoms. Anesthetic cream is applied to the outside of the vagina to make the process more comfortable.
Then, the doctor will recommend vaginismus treatment steps to treat your health problems.
Vaginismus Treatment Steps
Treatment focuses on reducing the muscle reflexes that cause the strain. Treatment also helps with any anxiety or fear that contributes to vaginismus.
Here are some recommendations for vaginismus treatment.
- Topical therapy. Topical lidocaine or mixed creams can help with vaginismus-related pain.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy. The therapist will teach you how to relax the pelvic floor muscles.
- Vaginal dilator therapy. Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped devices that come in a variety of sizes. This tool aims to stretch the vagina. Before using it, you should apply anesthetic cream to the outside of the vagina.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps sufferers understand the thoughts that influence emotions and behavior. It is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Sex therapy. Therapists work by helping couples to find pleasure in their sexual activity.
Causes of vaginismus need proper treatment steps. You and your partner need to talk about your worries and fears. The goal is that sexual activity feels more enjoyable.