This article is professionally consulted by Dr. Dinh Thanh Ha, MSc, MD, RMO - Obstetrician and Gynecologist Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Vaginismus can affect any woman, leading to pain and discomfort in daily activities or during sexual intercourse. Due to the varying mechanisms behind these spasms, it's essential to understand their types for effective treatment.
1. Understanding Vaginismus
Vaginismus occurs when certain muscles in the vagina tighten or spasm, often triggered by the entry of a foreign object, such as a tampon or a penis. This condition can cause mild to severe pain. Therefore, if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Types of Vaginismus
There are two main types of vaginismus commonly encountered in clinical practice:
2.1. Primary Vaginismus
Primary vaginismus occurs when a woman experiences frequent pain in the vaginal area due to a foreign object entering, such as during penetrative sex. Women with primary vaginismus may also struggle to insert any foreign object into the vagina, leading to a condition known as complete vaginismus.
2.2. Secondary Vaginismus
This type usually occurs in women who have previously engaged in sexual activity without pain but later develop difficulty or pain when attempting to insert a penis into the vagina. This condition is often referred to as acquired vaginismus.
3. Symptoms of Vaginismus
The main symptoms of vaginismus include:
- Pain during intercourse: This is typically the first sign, occurring during penetration and often subsiding afterwards. In some cases, pain may persist even after penetration has ended.
- Burning sensation
- Discomfort during medical examinations: Severe pain may occur when a doctor attempts to insert a tampon during an examination.
- Inability to engage in sexual activity or insert a tampon into the vagina.
- Fear of pain during intercourse
- Loss of sexual desire
These symptoms require thorough examination and treatment, as they do not resolve on their own like other common symptoms.
4. Causes of Vaginismus
The exact cause of vaginismus has not been fully studied. However, many experts believe that it is often related to anxiety disorders, psychological worries, or fears surrounding sex. It remains unclear which of these factors is the primary cause. Some women may experience vaginismus in any situation involving any type of foreign object, while others may only have vaginismus in specific circumstances or with certain objects. Vaginismus can occur during sexual intercourse or in other situations and may be exacerbated by health issues such as infections or vaginal dryness, which can increase discomfort or pain.
5. Diagnosis of Vaginismus
Vaginismus is diagnosed by evaluating the patient's medical and sexual history. Following this discussion, a gynecologist will perform a physical examination to assess any pain. During this examination, the patient may experience brief discomfort, and if necessary, pain relief measures may be implemented. It is essential for the doctor to explain the procedures being performed and to conduct the examination as gently as possible to minimize pain.
6. Treatment of Vaginismus
Treatment for vaginismus typically focuses on managing emotional responses related to vaginal penetration and gradually helping patients become more comfortable with penetration. Patients can perform exercises at home to train and relax vaginal muscles, facilitating better control during penetration. One popular exercise is Kegel exercises, which involve tightening the pelvic muscles. The steps to perform Kegel exercises are as follows:
- Tighten the muscles.
- Hold this position for about 2 to 10 seconds.
- Relax the muscles.
Kegel exercises should be performed about 20 times in one session and can be practiced several times a day.
Additionally, while practicing Kegel exercises, patients can gently insert a finger into the vaginal area to become more accustomed to the sensation. It is important to ensure that nails are trimmed and to use a specialized gel to facilitate the process. As comfort increases, patients can gradually use one or two fingers, depending on their specific situation, while being mindful of any discomfort or pain. If pain occurs, it is crucial to stop and resume the exercise when in a more comfortable state.
After becoming comfortable with finger insertion, patients may also utilize cone-shaped devices that are inserted into the vagina to acclimate to added pressure. Each practice session should last about 10 to 15 minutes.
Vaginismus can lead to pain and discomfort and may interfere with sexual activities. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialized medical facility for examination and treatment at the first sign of any concerns.
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Reference source: webmd.com
