Vaginismus

03/11/2022

Vaginismus is the situation happened when the vagina suddenly tightens up if you try to insert something into it. It could be painful and upsetting, but it can be treated.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration, included inserting tampon, fingering or sexual intercourse…

Whenever penetration is attempted, your vaginal muscles tighten up on their own.

You have no control over it.

Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex, or vaginal child delivery.

Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.

See a doctor or go to the Centre for Sexual Medicine if:

you find it hard inserting a tampon into your vagina
you struggle with vaginal penetration during sex
you feel burning or stinging pain during sex

These are common signs of vaginismus.

What will the doctor ask during the examination?

You can ask to be seen by a sexologist – a doctor who specializes in sexual problems, and you can bring someone you trust for support who could be your husband, your partner or your best friend.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may order an examination of your vagina.
The medical examination is usually very quick. Your doctor will do a quick review to rule out other conditions, such as an infection.
It’s unlikely he’ll need to examine the inside of your vagina, if you’re uncomfortable with it.

Treatment for vaginismus

Treatment usually focuses on:

managing your feelings around penetration
exercises to gradually get you used to penetration

Treatments for vaginismus
Possible treatment	What treatment covers
Psychosexual therapy	A type of talking therapy that aims to help you understand and change your feelings about your body and sex
Relaxation techniques	Mindfulness, breathing and gentle touching exercises to help you learn to relax the vaginal muscles
Pelvic floor exercises	Squeezing and releasing exercises to gain control of the vaginal muscles
Sensate focus	Exercises to help with your relaxation during sex and increase your sex drive (libido)
Vaginal trainers	Tampon-shaped objects in different sizes to help you gradually get used to having something put into your vagina

Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapist – a sexology doctor. You’ll then usually be expected to practise some of the exercises at home, or with the help of a trained nurse.

If you’re in a relationship, you can choose to involve your partner, he could be your husband if you married.

Treatment usually works and you may see progress in weeks.

SurgerySometimes vaginismus is mistaken for a physical problem with your vagina, which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Very few cases of Vaginismus require surgery.

Possible Causes of Vaginismus

The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear, but some things thought to cause it include: