Vaginismus chronic muscle tension of the pelvic diaphragm (the pubic - coccygeal muscles), because of which penetration of the vagina causing women discomfort, burning sensation, pain, or in which it is impossible to perform vaginal penetration.
as a result of vaginismus, the woman may develop coitophobia (fear of sex, vaginal penetration), because sexual intercourse brings pain, not pleasure.
some scientists consider vaginismus as uncontrollable muscle spasm, due to which the vagina narrows. In the Norwegian language even has a concept of "vaginal spasm", which in the course of physicians. However, the researchers, armed with devices to measure muscle activity, found no evidence that patients with vaginismus, there are some spasms. In scientific circles there is disagreement about which group of muscles straining in vaginismus.
Types of vaginismus:
- Primary vaginismus. Primary vaginismus, usually referred to as vaginismus, manifested at the very first attempt of intercourse. Spouse/partner is unable to achieve penetration because the penis is like "bumps into wall" where it's supposed to be a vaginal opening, and vaginal penetration either impossible or extremely difficult. Vaginal penetration is either impossible or causes a sharp pain.
- Secondary vaginismus. Secondary vaginismus is commonly called vaginismus that occurs in adulthood, women experience pain-free intercourse. The disease, e.g., thrush, cancer or thinning of walls of vagina due to menopause can cause vaginismus. It is necessary to consider the possibility of the diagnosis of vaginismus, if the original cause of pain was identified and corrected, but the woman continues to experience pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginismus is often difficult for a woman to experience orgasm during intercourse, because of sudden attacks of pain abruptly interrupt the natural process of sexual arousal and prevent its buildup to orgasm. Some women suffering from secondary vaginismus also experience difficulty with gynecological exams or tampon insertion due to involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles.
a Common approach to the treatment of both types of vaginismus is the same.
Vaginismus in women has the following symptoms:
- Feeling of burning or tingling in combination with compression of the vaginal muscles during intercourse
- Difficulty or impossible vaginal penetration, pain during vaginal penetration, discomfort in the penis in the vagina
- a Constant sense of discomfort or pain during intercourse after childbirth, infectious diseases of the vagina/urinary tract infections, STIs (sexually transmitted infections), interstitial cystitis, hysterectomy, cancer and surgeries, rape, menopause and other causes
- Constant pain during intercourse, of unknown origin and no apparent reason
- Difficulty with tampon insertion and gynecological examination
- Spasms of other muscle groups (muscles of hands, lower back, etc.) and/or a violation of the respiratory rhythm during attempted intercourse
- the Desire to avoid intimacy out of fear of pain and/or unsuccessful attempts to have intercourse
Causes of vaginismus
Physiological causes:
- Diseases.urinary tract Infections or urination problems, yeast infections, infections, sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, cancers of the genital organs or pelvic organs, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, lichen planus, sclerosing zoster, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc.
- Birth.Pain during normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, cesarean section, miscarriage, etc.
- Age-related changes.Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness/insufficient vaginal lubrication, vaginal atrophy
- Temporary discomfort.Temporary pain or discomfort as a result of insufficient foreplay, vaginal lubrication, etc.
- Trauma of the pelvic organs.surgery on the pelvic organs, pain during gynecological examination or other injury to pelvic organs
- Violence.Physical assault, rape, sexual/physical abuse or assault
- Medicines.Side effects can cause pelvic pain
Psychological causes:
- Fears.Fear or anticipation of pain during sexual intercourse, fear after trauma pelvic, fear of tissue damage (for example, "fear of breakdown of tissues"), fear of possible pregnancy, the fear of the possible occurrence of disease of the pelvic organs, etc. In time of fear, our body shrinks, therefore, there is discomfort and difficulty with penetration.
- Anxiety or stress.a General sense of anxiety, excitement before intercourse, an unpleasant earlier sexual experiences, negative attitudes toward sex, guilt, emotional traumas, or other unhealthy emotions about sex
- relationship Problems with a partner.maltreatment, emotional distance, fear of full trust, distrust, anxiety about vulnerability, loss of control, etc.
- Traumatic event.Emotional/sexual abuse in the past, the memories of what he saw scenes of violence or abuse, repressed memories
- Negative beliefs and install from childhood.Too strict parents, very religious upbringing (e.g., "Sex is bad"), memories of the shocking pictures of a sexual nature, inappropriate sex education
Recovery from vaginismus
Vaginismus can be treated successfully. To fully overcome vaginismus does not require drugs, surgery, hypnosis or other complex invasive techniques.
help:
- the Study by the doctor in order to rule out any physical causes
- Elaboration of emotional difficulties, fears, traumatic experiences, negative beliefs with a psychologist
- Exercise of arbitrary tension and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises) with the introduction of a small item (cotton swab, tampon, finger)
- the Use of vaginal dilators
- Sensual touch with a partner (temporary refusal of sex, and conc). The aim of the practice is to focus on the qualities of touch (temperature, pressure, texture) to each other (temperature, pressure, texture), and not to think about how to excite the other or to help to achieve orgasm. It is important to pay attention to bodily sensations as often as necessary.
the Full text of practice you can find here https://www.b17.ru/article/109326/
Sources:
- brokmann, Dal "Viva la vagina"
- Jordis P. "sex Bible"
- Nagoski E. "How a woman wants: Master class on the science of sex"
- Avery Ckark, Weiner "Sensate focus in sex therapy"
- Resnick, S. "The heart of desire"
- https://www.vaginismus.com/ru
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