Some women will experience various kinds of sexual disorders, one of which is vaginismus. Women should feel pleasure when having sex, but this is different for women who suffer from vaginismus. Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles around the vagina tighten involuntarily during sexual penetration so that it will cause pain during intercourse.
Understanding what vaginismus is
Vaginismus is a type of sexual dysfunction in women in which the muscles around the vagina tighten involuntarily during sexual penetration. The vaginal muscles will tighten when the vaginal area gets touched. Although it does not interfere with sexual arousal, this condition will cause pain when a woman has sex and make penetration difficult. Vaginismus can occur when a partner is about to have sexual intercourse, insert a tampon, and during a Pap smear examination.
Types of Vaginismus
Vaginismus is divided into two types, namely primary and secondary:
Primary vaginismus: When vaginal penetration is never achieved at all
Secondary vaginismus: When vaginal penetration has been achieved, but it does not happen again due to several factors such as gynecological surgery, trauma, or radiation.
Causes of Vaginismus
Some health professionals are not sure what are the main factors that can cause women to develop vaginismus. Physical, psychological, or sexual problems can cause this condition. Women suffering from bladder infections and infections can have worse vaginal pain. Several things can cause vaginismus, namely anxiety disorders, tears in the vagina that occur after giving birth, a history of previous surgery, and fear of sex due to sexual harassment, rape, or trauma in the past can also be factors that cause vaginismus to occur.
Symptoms of Vaginismus
Tightening of the vaginal muscles is the main symptom of vaginismus, but every woman will experience a different level of severity. The following are signs that occur when experiencing vaginismus:
- Pain and discomfort that occurs during vaginal penetration
- Inability to have sex or undergo a pelvic examination such as a pap smear
- Intense pain during sexual intercourse
Every woman will definitely have a different way of dealing with vaginismus, depending on what causes it. Usually, this condition can be overcome through vaginal relaxation therapy, emotional therapy, and surgery. In addition, Kegel exercises can also relieve pain during intercourse and can treat vaginismus. Don't worry, Ladies. Vaginismus, which occurs in most women, can be cured.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Vaginismus. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus
Medical News Today. (2022). What you need to know about vaginismus. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261
Healthline. (2020). What is vaginismus? https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginismus