Vaginismus

Vaginismus again affects women and is marked with difficulty or pain during penetration due to involuntary contractions of vaginal muscles. It can get so worse at time that women dread any sexual contact; others may have satisfying sexual experiences through extensive foreplay leading to orgasm without penetration.

Causes

It is seen that Vaginismus is often the result of physical or sexual abuse that induces a phobic reaction at the prospect of genital penetration. Other causes may include a painful first intercourse, relationship problems, fear of pregnancy, rape victim, religious orthodoxy, or the woman’s belief that her vagina is too small.

Treatment

Refer the patient to a doctor with a background in sex therapy or psychology, if possible. The treatment involves “cognitive behavioral” therapy, consisting of a program with specific exercises designed for soothing the muscles around the vagina and systematic desensitization of the vagina. The woman learns to have greater control over her vaginal muscle spasm while gently introducing inserters of gradually increasing size into her vagina. This regime is successful once a women is comfortable with her partners penetration.