Vaginismus | What Are The Causes? What Solutions?

Impossible penetration is a sexual psychological disorder that is much more widespread than one might imagine. Doctors call it vaginismus. It requires a meticulous medical examination because in about 5% of cases, there may be a real physical obstacle in the female genital area, consisting of a very tight hymen.

But in most cases, vaginismus is a mental disorder of sexual behavior that is characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable contractions of the muscles of the vagina. Concretely, the muscles of the pelvic floor tighten instantly as soon as there is an attempt to penetrate.

Vaginismus has often been compared to eyelid closing reflex when one wants to put a drop in the eye. Gentleness, persuasion, kindness and goodwill do nothing, the entrance remains barricaded.

Vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration.

What Are The Causes Of Vaginismus?

The causes of vaginismus are mainly psychological:

• Vaginismus can appear if previous vaginal penetrations have caused pain, the fear of pain which then takes over can cause contractions of the muscles of the vagina.

• A traumatic experience in the past (sexual abuse, invasive and painful medical examinations, etc.) can cause vaginismus.

• Stress and uncertainty about sex can sometimes cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract to protect the vagina from penetration.

• Vaginismus can also be primary. Strict sex education can lead to psychological blockages.

• Romantic or professional problems can favor the appearance of vaginismus.

Factors other than psychological can be involved such as menopause, a malformation of the vagina or even a vaginal infection.

What Are The Consequences Of Vaginismus?

• Vaginismus can be a source of pain when penetration is forced and may become a vicious circle: the more the perception of pain is present, the stronger vaginismus will be causing more pain during intercourse.

• The contraction of the muscles of the vagina can prevent having sexual intercourse, which can sometimes have negative repercussions on the couple due to frustration fueled by the impossibility of satisfying their desires.

• The impossibility of conceiving a child can also be a consequence of vaginismus due to impossible penetration.

Vaginismus may be the reason you experience pain before or during vaginal penetration.

What Solutions To Treat Vaginismus?

• Simple solutions exist to fight against vaginismus, such as exercises to learn to relax the muscles of the vagina little by little while getting to know your body  and better control it. This is a therapeutic treatment, so it is advisable to make an appointment with your gynecologist or sexologist in order to follow this treatment.

• Working psychologically to find the source of vaginismus can also help resolve this disorder.

• Certain medical treatments have been proposed: local anesthetic, such as lidocaine (either before or after intercourse, or as background treatment) or antidepressants such as amitriptyline, antiepileptic. Medical means are not recommended as a first resort.

A Gynecologist can help with vaginismus treatment.

Finally, do not hesitate to approach your gynecologist in order to detect a possible vaginal infection which could be responsible for vaginismus. Also, it sometimes happens that from a physiological point of view, there is a problem around the hymen which could justify an operation.

This is why when you think you are suffering from vaginismus, the first instinct should be to consult a gynecologist or a midwife.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center