Vaginismus

In medicine, vaginismus is a condition where the muscles of the vagina contract, preventing sexual intercourse. It can usually be treated effectively by a sex therapist.

Vaginismus is a painful or spastic contraction of a woman's pelvic floor muscles that occurs with attempted penetration of the vagina. Young women may be unable to begin having intercourse without pain.

Primary vaginismus

Vaginismus is commonly seen in the gynecological examining room among young women who appear afraid of their first pelvic examination. Rather than being uncooperative, such young women are actually suffering from a reflex they have not yet learned to control.

Secondary vaginismus

Vaginismus is sometimes a secondary process. A woman who had severe dyspareunia from some physical cause, such as the structural changes caused by female circumcision, may develop secondary vaginismus as a reflex. Women who have been raped, sexually abused, or examined by a rough clinician also may develop secondary vaginismus.

In general, women who have vaginismus are strongly motivated to change. Many of them can learn to break their cycle of spastic contractions even with one limited pelvic exam performed with extreme gentleness (including a one-fingered vaginal exam and omission of the rectal exam). Allow the woman to be in charge of the exam; do nothing without her knowledge and permission, and explain all parts of the examination in detail in advance. As the exam progresses, reassure the woman that her pelvic findings are normal (if they are normal). A partner can be counseled to show the woman the same degree of gentleness and communication.

Some women may require vaginal dilation as part of the treatment of vaginismus. The best vaginal dilator is the woman's own finger, which she can insert with the aid of a little lubricant. Artificial Dilators are also avalible.

this is a stub article