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VAGINISMUS IS A THING! BY ANGELA DUNCAN, PSY.M
The definition of Vaginismus is “painful spasmodic contractions of the vagina in response to physical contact or pressure”. (nhs.uk.com). It is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. The problem women with vaginismus face are that any time they try to insert an object such as a penis, tampon or speculum into the vagina, the walls tighten up from involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. This can be incredibly painful and cause temporary cessation of breathing. Without treatment, aside from the distress and frustration, it may get worse.
SECONDARY VAGINISMUS “Secondary” vaginismus develops after a woman has already experienced normal sexual function. This condition can occur at any stage of life. It usually stems from a specific event, such as menopause, an injury, infection, surgery, or childbirth. Emotional issues have also been known to trigger secondary vaginismus.
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ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE : JULY EDITION 2021
Symptoms can vary between individuals but may include: • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) with tightness and pain that may burn or sting • Penetration being difficult or impossible • Pain during tampon insertion • Pain during gynecological examination • Generalized muscle spasm or breathing cessation during attempted intercourse
Vaginismus comes in different forms and symptoms can vary between individuals. Age, emotional issues, and medical problems can all play a role in the type of vaginismus a woman experience. There are a variety of treatments, which involve emotional and physical exercises. PRIMARY VAGINISMUS “Primary” vaginismus is a lifetime condition in which pain has always been present. This condition is usually discovered by women during their first attempt at intercourse. The spasms can be so intense that women have expressed the feeling of “hitting a wall” when trying to insert a tampon or other object into their vaginal opening. The pain is intense but will subside when the attempt at vaginal entry is stopped.
spasms and pain. Situational vaginismus occurs only in certain situations. It may happen during sex but not during gynecological exams or tampon insertion.
• Long-term sexual pain with or without a known cause. Vaginismus can be caused by emotional triggers, physical stressors, or both. Physical stressors may include:
Even after underlying medical conditions have been corrected, the symptoms may continue if the body has become conditioned to respond to pain in a certain way. Global and Situational Vaginismus The last two vaginismus are “Global” and “Situational”. Global vaginismus is always present, and any object will trigger
• Urinary tract infections, yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. • Childbirth • Menopause • Cancer or lichen sclerosis • Inadequate foreplay • Insufficient vaginal lubrication • Medication side effects Emotional triggers include: • Fear from painful events, such as pregnancy
