Vaginismus is a type of female sexual problem in which the muscles of the vagina contract involuntarily during sex, causing pain.Vaginismus can interfere with a healthy sex life, as well as prevent women from having vaginal exams.There are different causes of vaginismus that are worth exploring.The condition can be upsetting, embarrassing, and stress inducing, but it is completely treatable.
Step 1: Take it very seriously.
Pain is the most disturbing symptom of vaginismus.It may feel like burning, stinging, tightening, tearing, or as if your partner is hitting a wall, as different women experience this pain differently.Many women discover this problem when they try to have sex for the first time.There are two types of vaginismus, primary and secondary.It's important that you don't discount this symptom just because you've been sexually active in the past.
Step 2: There are other problems with vaginal penetration.
Women with vaginismus may have trouble with other types of penetration, including vaginal exams.Other symptoms include unconsummated marriage ongoing sexual discomfort or pain following childbirth, yeast/urinary infections, STIs, IC, hysterectomy, cancer and surgeries, rape, or menopause.
Step 3: Pay attention to other muscles.
The hallmarks of vaginismus are vaginal muscle contractions and spasms, but some women also experience spasms in the legs or lower back.Sexual intercourse is the most common cause of these spasms.
Step 4: Evaluate your avoidance of sex.
Women with vaginismus tend to avoid sexual situations.It's a good sign that you should seek medical help if you're avoiding sexual activity or romantic relationships because of your symptoms.Your body's association of sex with pain is the cause of this avoidance.
Step 5: You should see a doctor.
To discuss the possibility of vaginismus, make an appointment with your primary care physician or gynecologist.You should be clear about your symptoms.
Step 6: Other conditions should be ruled out.
Your doctor should perform a vaginal exam if you have vaginal pain.He or she will probably recommend additional tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.It is possible that the vaginismus has an obvious physical cause, like an injury, or hypersensitive nerves, at the opening of the vagina.
Step 7: It's a good idea to get a diagnosis.
If your symptoms are ruled out, your doctor may diagnose you with either primary or secondary vaginismus.Your doctor can describe your condition as global if it occurs in all situations and only in certain situations.Female sexuality is not fully understood.You may run into medical personnel who don't help you.You should be persistent about getting a diagnosis.If your doctor doesn't help you, look for someone who has experience treating vaginismus and other forms of female sexual problems.There are two possible diagnoses, one of which is dyspareunia, which refers to pain during sexual intercourse.The opportunity to arrange a team of experts will be provided by these diagnoses.
Step 8: Consider the role of anxiety.
The symptoms of vaginismus can be traced to feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress.These can be related to current factors of life, like lack of sleep and excessive work-related stress.
Step 9: There are underlying beliefs about sex and sexuality.
Women with vaginismus are more likely to have a negative view of sex.These feelings may date back to childhood, or they may be related to a traumatic event.Lack of proper sexual education is a potential component of vaginismus when negative underlying beliefs about sex start at a young age.
Step 10: Understand what happened in the past.
Women with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of sexual interference as non-sufferers.Mild to severe traumas include sexual abuse by someone familiar, domestic violence, and early sexual experiences with a consensual partner.
Step 11: Relationship difficulties may contribute.
Secondary and situational vaginismus may be related to issues with a sexual or romantic partner.Lack of trust, fear of commitment, and concern about becoming too vulnerable are some of the issues.
Step 12: Medical conditions and medications can play a role.
A variety of conditions can cause the symptoms of vaginismus.It is possible that your vaginismus appeared after a period of normal sexual functioning.Potential medical conditions that can contribute to vaginismus include: urinary tract infections and other urinary problems sexually transmitted cancer of the sexual or reproductive organs.
Step 13: Take into account the potential role of reproductive milestones.
The start of secondary vaginismus can be related to childbirth.If it was very difficult or resulted in injuries to the sexual organs, this is more likely.Women with vaginismus are usually from the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.Fear of having children or going through childbirth can lead to secondary vaginismus.
Step 14: Accept that there may be no apparent cause.
Some women don't know why they have vaginismus.There are no known physical or non-physical causes.According to some research, symptoms of vaginismus are part of general defense mechanisms that are triggered in threatening situations.This suggests that it doesn't need to be seen as a sexual problem.
Step 15: Try talking to a counselor.
Whether or not your vaginismus is caused by emotional or psychological issues can be helped by a therapist.Awareness of the condition causes fear and anxiety before intercourse, which causes symptoms to get worse.Feelings of depression, isolation, and lower self-esteem are common effects of the stigma.Treatment outcomes are better when the woman and her sexual partner are willing to compromise.A couple's psychological evaluation is a good start to treatment.If your vaginismus is connected to anxiety or sexual trauma, a therapist can help you deal with these issues so you can move forward.Some women can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy.The relationship between thoughts and behaviors can be changed with the help of a cognitive behavioral therapist.
Step 16: Ask about exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a treatment for vaginismus that involves gradual desensitization to penetration.For women with lifelong vaginismus, exposure to penetration is an effective treatment.Vaginal penetration exercises are used for exposure.The same method is used for self-treatment, with the addition of a guide who can help you with confidence and success.
Step 17: You can find a physical therapist.
Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist with experience with vaginismus and other forms of female sexual problems.One of the best treatment options for vaginismus is physical therapy, because the muscles in the pelvic floor play a major role.Your physical therapist can teach you breathing and relaxation techniques.
Step 18: Do the Kegel exercises.
The Kegel exercises help you control the muscles of the pelvic floor.If you want to do a Kegel exercise, you have to contract the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine.As many times a day as you can, aim to do about 20 contractions at a time.Kegel exercises can be done with a finger inserted into your vagina.You can feel the muscles contracting by using your finger.
Step 19: Consider vaginal dilators at home.
Vaginal dilators may be recommended by your doctor.These instruments are placed in the vagina.The muscles of your vagina get bigger as they get larger.When having a bowel movement, bear down.This enlarges the vaginal opening.Continue to push or bear down as you insert fingers into your vagina.Leave the dilators in for 10 to 15 minutes when you start using them.The vaginal muscles will be used.If you have a spouse or partner, you may want to ask this person to help.
Step 20: Take sexual activity slowly.
It is important for women with vaginismus to be patient and try treatment options.If you try to become sexually active right away, you may experience pain or discomfort, and this sets you up for a cycle of pain and anxiety that worsens vaginismus.It's important that you have a supportive partner.When you try to have sex, use plenty of lubricant, and experiment to find the most comfortable positions.Doctors suggest that women place the object in their vagina as they have done with vaginal dilators.This applies to all of them.