Do you know about Vaginismus? As a gynecologist with years of experience, I, Dr. Surbhi Singh, have encountered many patients facing a variety of reproductive and sexual health issues. Each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to ensure the best care and support for my patients.
One afternoon, A young, recently married woman named Priya, who was only 25 years old, entered my clinic. She sat down and looked uneasy, fiddling nervously with the hem of her jumper. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly, “I… I tried to have sex for the first time with my husband, but it didn’t work. I was really excited, but I couldn’t do it. It was like something was blocking me.. at this moment I gently put my hands on her shoulders and squeezed it a bit to show my support and get more details…and she continued. “Actually it’s been six months, and we tried it several time everything went well until we tried penetration as I felt intense pain and I got very scared and eventually we were unable to consummate. I don’t know why it has to be like this. We start off all excited, but then that moment comes, and everything changes. It’s not that I don’t want to be close, but the thought of pain makes me freeze up…”
At that moment, I recognized the signs of vaginismus—a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This experience is more common than many realize, and it can be deeply distressing for those affected.
In this blog, I aim to shed light on vaginismus, its causes, and the various treatment options available. By providing understanding and open dialogue, we can help those struggling with this condition find the support they need to regain control over their sexual health and enjoy fulfilling intimate experiences.
Dealing with Vaginismus: A Path to Healing
Living with vaginismus can be tough, but it’s important to know you’re not alone, and that there is help available. Many women experience this condition, and with the right support, you can regain control over your body and enjoy fulfilling sexual experiences.
What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles, making vaginal penetration painful or even impossible. This can happen during sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, or even when using tampons. It’s often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, fear of pain, or past negative experiences related to sex.
Causes of Vaginismus:
There are various factors that can contribute to vaginismus, including:
Psychological Factors: Fear of pain, anxiety, trauma, or negative sexual experiences can all play a role.
Physical Factors: Anatomical abnormalities, infections, or hormonal imbalances may also contribute to the condition.
Combination of Factors: Often, both psychological and physical elements work together to create vaginismus.
Open Communication is Key!
Priya, feeling comfortable in her marriage, found it easy to approach me about her struggles. However, I know that many unmarried sexually active women facing vaginismus may hesitate to seek help from a gynecologist due to feelings of shame and fear of being judged.
When navigating vaginismus, open communication with your partner is essential. Sharing your feelings and experiences brings understanding and support. It’s equally important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider who specializes in sexual or gynecological health. They can guide you through treatment options and help you find the approach that best suits your needs.
Finding the right expert :
Vaginismus is not merely a physical condition, it is intertwined with emotional and psychological factors that can exacerbate the situation. The most important thing to treat vaginismus is that the expert who is treating should be compassionate, non-judgemental and broad-minded. sometimes experts also tend to judge people and they think that the client is just overreacting and being over-dramatic which makes the situation even worse.
Hence “dealing with feeling” is essential especially when issue is physical as well as emotional. It is crucial for the expert to create a safe and supportive environment where the individual feels heard and validated. This involves actively listening to their concerns and acknowledging the complexities of their experience.
In our session, I collaborated with Priya on strategies to help her feel more at ease, such as initially starting with a GA examination to see if the muscles were stiff or relaxed and if the vaginal opening was functioning properly. If it was, the blockage was likely psychological. If it wasn’t, we could do counseling sessions, pelvic floor exercises, and a gradual introduction of gentle dilators to let her body adjust at its own pace. I emphasized that intimacy extends beyond penetration; it’s about emotional connection and mutual respect.
As our appointment concluded, Priya expressed her gratitude for the supportive environment we created. “I feel better just talking about it. I didn’t think it was something I could discuss with anyone.”
Treatment Options:
The good news is that there are ways to treat vaginismus! Your non-judgmental expert may use the following successful strategies to treat you:
Education and Counselling: Understanding the condition can significantly reduce anxiety. Counseling or sex therapy can help individuals explore any emotional or psychological factors contributing to their symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction can help individuals learn to relax the pelvic muscles. Techniques may include biofeedback, muscle relaxation exercises, and pelvic floor strengthening.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help address underlying psychological issues, such as fear and anxiety about sex.
Gradual Exposure Therapy: This technique involves slowly introducing vaginal penetration using dilators or fingers, allowing the body to adjust over time.
Medical Treatments: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend topical anesthetics or muscle relaxants to alleviate discomfort during treatment or hormonal therapy may be beneficial.
Surgery: While rare, surgical options may be considered for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Conclusion:
Vaginismus is a complex condition that requires compassion and understanding. By encouraging open conversations and pursuing appropriate treatment, those affected can find relief and take back control over their sexual health. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, you can overcome vaginismus and enjoy a fulfilling intimate life. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your journey to healing starts with understanding and support.