Vaginismus Sexual Disorder - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Vaginismus

What is Vaginismus ?

Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina that closes the vagina. This condition causes penetration to be difficult and painful, or even impossible.

Vaginismus can affect women of all ages, causing a variety of symptoms that each woman will experience in her own way. Typical complaints include any combination of the following: burning in the vagina and the surrounding areas, a "poky" feeling by the urethra, sharp pains in the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, urinary urgency and frequency as if there is a urinary tract infection, the inability to have anything introduced into the vagina, and rectal pains, especially upon having a bowel movement.

Types of Vaginismus

• Primary vaginismus.
• Secondary vaginismus.

Primary vaginismus refers to cases where the effected woman has never been able to have intercourse with penetration due to the involuntary contractions of her vaginal muscles. Primary vaginismus is sometimes referred to as the "unconsummated marriage".

A diagnosis of secondary vaginismus refers to a woman who was able to experience intercourse at one time, but is no longer able to be penetrated, due to the involuntary muscle spasms.

Causes of Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a complex condition that can be caused by many things. The most common causes are: sexual trauma or abuse, psychological factors, or a history of discomfort with sexual intercourse. In some cases, the cause cannot be determined.

Symptoms of Vaginismus

here are many symptoms of vaginismus. The most common symptoms are:

• Difficulty or inability to allow vaginal penetration for intercourse.
• Vaginal pain with attempts at intercourse.
• Vaginal pain during attempted pelvic exam.
• Painful intercourse.
• Traumatic pelvic exam.

Diagnosis of Vaginismus

he clinician, therefore, in his/her diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.

A General Medical Condition - a pelvic disease.

Treatment of Vaginismus

The treatment most often used is an extensive therapy program that combines education and counseling with behavioral exercises. It is also possible to train the pubic muscles to stay relaxed by conditioning the vagina to penetration.

Complications of Vaginismus

Vaginismus is one common cause of female sexual dysfunction, which may lead to dissatisfaction and discord in intimate relationships. This problem can lead to erectile dysfunction in the male partner after repeated unsuccessful attempts at intercourse.