Vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. Whenever penetration is attempted, the vaginal muscles tighten up on their own and the person has no control over it. Occasionally, people can get vaginismus even if they have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex. It can be a painful and upsetting, but it can be treated.
Doctors believe it is a relatively common and underreported condition. It does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact. Some common symptoms are:
* you find it hard inserting a tampon into your vagina
* you struggle with vaginal penetration during sex
* you feel burning or stinging pain during sex
Treatment usually focuses on:
* managing your feelings around penetration
* exercises to gradually get you used to penetration
* Psychosexual therapy
* Pelvic floor exercises
* Sensate focus-exercises to help with your relaxation during sex
* Vaginal trainers
The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear, but some things thought to cause it include:
* fearing that your vagina is too small
* a bad first sexual experience
* an unpleasant medical examination
* believing sex is shameful or wrong
* a painful medical condition, like thrush
Sometimes vaginismus is mistaken for a physical problem with your vagina, which can lead to needless surgery. Very few cases of vaginismus require surgery and I have read many online testimonies where surgery really damaged the person-so always get a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right! I have also read A LOT of testimonies saying that doctors told them to get drunk and just relax, which is HORRIFYING!!😤🤬 I know it’s not always easy to find different practitioners, especially if it’s a question of money, but no one should have to have their pain diminished in that way.