How do I know I have vaginismus?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Vaginismus is a medical condition where there’s an involuntary contraction of pelvic muscles and closing of vagina, when a vaginal penetration is attempted. It is the body's reflex action to the fear of  any kind of vaginal penetration. It is not voluntary or under the individual’s control.

Although researchers are not sure about the specific cause of vaginismus, there are certain things that has been associated with causing vaginismus:

• Past history of sexual abuse like rape
• Past painful intercourse
• Wrong or negative emotions attached to sex

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It can be primary vaginismus when vaginal penetration has never been achieved or secondary where vaginal penetration was achieved earlier but is no longer possible.

You may have vaginismus if: 

• You find that the penetration during painful and difficult 
• You face difficulty in inserting a tampon or menstrual cup 
• You feel burning sensation or stinging pain while having sex

Vaginismus does not interfere with arousal but it can make sexual intercourse difficult or impossible. It can vary from being mild to severe enough not to allow penetration at all. It is very painful and can take a toll on your relations.Vaginal infections like yeast infection can make it worse.

This condition is very much treatable if you take proper guidance and therapy. 

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Treatment options include:

1. Psychisexual  therapy - It involves education about your body ,arousal . change your feelings towards your body and sex.

2. Relaxation techniques- to help you relax your vaginal muscles.

3. Pelvic floor exercises - it involves squeezing and releasing exercises to get control of your vaginal muscles.

4. Sensate focus - exercises to relax the muscles and increase sex drive.

5. Vaginal dilators - these are tube-like solid objects of increasing size which will help to stretch the vagina . You can take help from your partner in this exercise.

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6. Surgery - It is the last option and rarely required where in some cases the opening of the hymen is very small and is cut and enlarged.

Most of the time the earlier mentioned non surgical ways of practised regularly and correctly will help you to overcome this condition and have a pain-free sex.

If you ar experiencing any kind of discomfort during sex don't feel embarrassed to seek advice from the doctor. It is not your fault and this condition is very much treatable. But you need to be open about it to your partner and get the right medical help.

Connect to the experts at Gytree. Our team of doctors can help you sail through this challenging condition.