When the vagina involunatarily tenses or contracts, causing unintentional muscle spasms during insertion of a penis, tampon or medical instrument - the condition is called Vaginismus. The spasms may range from being mildly uncomfortable to very painful.
Vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetrations. One has no control over it. The condition may occur mostly during late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time.
Healthcare experts have arrived at one or a combination of physical, psychological and sexual factors for Vaginismus.
These include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Childbirth issues, such as vaginal tears
- Prior surgery
- Fear of sex, or negative feelings about sex
Signs of Vaginismus include:
- Discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration
- Inability to have sex or have a pelvic exam due to vaginal muscle spasms or pain
- Painful intercourse
After studying your symptoms and medical and sexual history, the healthcare provider may recommend a pelvic ecam to help rule out other problems and confirm the presence of muscle spasms.
Treatment for Vaginismus focusses on reducing the reflex of the vaginal muscles that cause it to tighten and tense up. There are also special treatments that can be administered to address anxiety and fears that contribute to the condition.
The condition can affect sex life and relationships and even affect mental health, leading to increased anxiety. If a woman is trying to conceive, Vaginismus may make the process more challenging.
