Vaginismus

5 min reading time Last Update Date: 04.07.2023
The treatment content titled Vaginismus has been written by Doktorumsun and has been reviewed and approved by Doç. Dr. Ahter Tanay TAYYAR (Gynecology and Obstetrics).

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that causes problems such as pain, tension, contractions and even complete obstruction during sexual intercourse in women. These problems occur as a result of involuntary contraction of the muscles of the vagina and prevent sexual intercourse. Vaginismus can cause sexual reluctance and fear of sexual intercourse in women.

What are the Vaginismus Types?

Vaginismus can be mild, moderate or severe. In the case of mild vaginismus, women may experience sexual intercourse, but experience pain, tension, and discomfort. In the case of moderate vaginismus, women have difficulty experiencing sexual intercourse and the pain sensation is more severe. In the case of severe vaginismus, women are completely inhibited during sexual intercourse.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginismus?

  • Pain, tension and discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • Preventing sexual intercourse completely
  • Muscle spasms or involuntary contractions
  • Sexual reluctance or fear of sexual intercourse
Types of Vaginismus Symptoms Reasons
Primary vaginismus
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Convulsions during sexual intercourse
  • Sexual reluctance
  • Sexual fears
  • Sexual harassment or abuse
  • Religious beliefs
Secondary vaginismus
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Convulsions during sexual intercourse
  • Sexual reluctance
  • Previous sexual traumas
  • Sexual intercourse anxiety
  • Sexual dysfunction

What Causes Vaginismus?

Although the exact cause of vaginismus is unknown, psychological and emotional factors are generally thought to play a role. For example, sexual abuse, sexual traumas or sexual fears can cause vaginismus. In addition, physical causes can also cause vaginismus. For example, conditions such as infections, endometriosis, vulvodynia, vaginal dryness can cause vaginismus.

Can a Woman with Vaginismus Get Pregnant?

Yes, women with vaginismus can get pregnant. However, the pregnancy process of women with vaginismus may be a little more difficult. Vaginismus is a condition in which sexual intercourse or vaginal examination is not possible as a result of involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles. Therefore, women with vaginismus may have a low chance of getting pregnant, because sexual intercourse is required for pregnancy. However, there are some methods to increase the chance of pregnancy for women with vaginismus. Among them:

  • Sexual therapy: One of the methods used in the treatment of vaginismus is sexual therapy. Sex therapy helps a person relax the muscles of the vagina and makes sexual intercourse possible. Thanks to sexual therapy, women with vaginismus can increase their chances of pregnancy.
  • Vaginismus exercises: Vaginismus exercises are exercises to relax the muscles of the vagina. These exercises help women with vaginismus control and relax the muscles of the vagina. In this way, sexual intercourse becomes possible and the chance of pregnancy increases.

In addition to the above methods, women with vaginismus can also resort to alternative methods to increase their chances of pregnancy. These include methods such as pulsed radio frequency (PRF) and botox application. However, there is not enough information about the effectiveness of these methods and it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor.

How is Vaginismus Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of vaginismus is made when a woman is unable to have sexual intercourse or have a vaginal examination. For the diagnosis of vaginismus, it is necessary to meet with a gynecologist or psychologist first. During these interviews, it is determined that the vaginal muscles of the person contract involuntarily and sexual intercourse or vaginal examination is not possible.

After the diagnosis of vaginismus is made, the treatment process begins. Different methods can be used for the treatment of vaginismus. Sex therapy, vaginismus exercises, pulsed radio frequency (PRF) and botox application

Treatment after Vaginismus Diagnosis

After the diagnosis of vaginismus is made, the treatment process begins. Different methods can be used for the treatment of vaginismus. Among them:

  • Sex therapy
  • Vaginismus exercises
  • Pulsed radio frequency (PRF)
  • Botox application

has.

Sexual Therapy

Sexual therapy is a method frequently used in the treatment of vaginismus. This method of therapy addresses the communication of couples and the anxieties they experience during sexual intercourse. Sex therapy is a therapy method in which couples work together. During the therapy sessions, the communication skills of the couples are developed and ways to cope with the fears experienced during sexual intercourse are sought.

Vaginismus Exercises

Vaginismus exercises are exercises that control the muscles of the vagina and help prevent contractions during sexual intercourse. These exercises allow the individual to recognize their muscles and notice contractions. In this way, the individual can have control over the contraction and relaxation of his muscles. Vaginismus exercises are the exercises recommended by the therapist and are recommended to be done regularly for a certain period of time.

Pulsed Radio Frequency (PRF)

Pulsed radio frequency (PRF) is a method used to relax the vaginal muscles. This method allows the muscles to relax by sending pulsed radio waves to the vaginal muscles with the help of a special device. The PRF method usually gives more effective results when used in combination with other methods.

Botox Application

Botox application is another method used to relax the vaginal muscles. In this method, botulinum toxin is injected into the vaginal muscles. In this way, the muscles relax and help prevent pain and contractions during sexual intercourse. Botox application can be used in cases where other methods are not effective.

References

  • “Vaginismus,” Obstetrician and Gynecologist, accessed May 11, 2023, - https://kadinhastaliklarivedogum.com/vajinismus/
  • “What is Vaginismus, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment,” Liv Hospital, accessed May 11, 2023, - https://www.livhospital.com/tr/uzmanlik-alanlari/cinsel-saglik/vajinismus
  • “Vaginismus,” Memorial Health Group, accessed May 11, 2023, - https://www.memorial.com.tr/hastaliklar-ve-uzmanliklar/kadin-sagligi/vajinismus
Note: The page content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Doctors Relevant for Vaginismus

Fzt. Mert SEVİNÇ
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Op. Dr. Vasfiye AKSOY
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Op. Dr. Aliya İSGANDAROVA ŞENELDİR
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Psk. Yunus Emre ÖKSÜZ
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Op. Dr. Betül BÜYÜKKAYA ALPTEKİN
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Op. Dr. Bekir YILDIZ
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Uzm. Kl. Psk. Tuğba KARA AYDINLIOĞLU
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Doç. Dr. Ahter Tanay TAYYAR
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Uzm. Kl. Psk. Esra AKKUŞ
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Uzm. Kl. Psk. Yonca ŞENTÜRK
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