Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms And Possible Solutions
Human sexuality has been a taboo subject for society throughout history, its expression being socially censored and repressed.
The repression of libido and ignorance regarding the process and the different phases of the sexual response has caused the appearance and non-treatment of various problems that have prevented the full enjoyment of desire and libidinous relationships. One of these problems is the disorder known as vaginismus
Vaginismus is a female sexual dysfunction this type of dysfunction being that group of disorders produced by an alteration of the processes of the human sexual response or the presence of pain sensations during the act.
This type of disorder can be acquired from a specific moment in life or be present throughout life, and its causes can be psychological or a combination of organic and psychological variables. Furthermore, they can occur both at a general level and in the presence of specific circumstances.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of this disorder is the presence of persistent and recurring involuntary contractions over time in the vaginal muscles and especially the pubococcygeus muscle, which contracts and closes the entrance to it.
In this way, the entrance to the vagina is not accessible, which can prevent or simply make it difficult (since what is prevented is penetration) the performance of sexual practices. In addition to maintaining sexual relations, vaginismus can even affect a medical level, making gynecological examination very difficult.
The severity of vaginismus can be very variable, ranging from a mild contraction that may not cause great difficulties to producing generalized spasms and making the insertion of any element into the vagina completely impossible. Depending on the case, even the thought of introducing an object or being penetrated can cause the muscle contraction typical of vaginismus. Attempted penetration in this state causes deep pain.
The fact of suffering from vaginismus does not mean that the woman who suffers from it does not get excited or enjoy the idea of having intercourse, and it is not uncommon for cases in which the woman in question has a sufficient level of arousal and is enjoying the interaction. sexual. Thus, penetration is prevented, but other sexual activities remain viable.
Vaginismus tends to be chronic unless it is treated, and over time it can cause a real aversion to sex and the patient avoids intimacy and the possibility of maintaining relationships.
Possible causes of vaginismus
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that can come from different causes. In some cases it can arise from a medical condition, such as infections, surgery or in some cases even during menopause.
However, It is much more common that its origin is due to psychological and psychosocial circumstances being generally linked to experiences of fear and guilt.
1. Repressive education
The fact of having received a rigid and restrictive education regarding sexuality It influences the appearance of ideas of guilt, doubt and fear when performing the sexual act, which can cause contraction of the vaginal muscles.
2. Traumatic experiences
It is not uncommon for women with vaginismus to have suffered severe traumatic experiences linked to sexuality People who throughout their childhood have suffered sexual abuse or seen it committed, people from families with situations of gender violence or domestic violence, or women who have suffered rape throughout their lives are more likely to suffer from dysfunctions. sexual acts such as vaginismus due to fear, pain and anxiety linked to the traumatic experience and associated with performing the sexual act.
As with erection disorders in men, Fear, guilt and anxiety about the possibility of not being able to carry out the act can cause, on a somatic level, symptoms of vaginismus occur.
Treatments and possible solutions
Vaginismus can be treated with a wide variety of therapies Some women come for consultation with the idea of having surgery, but this method is not very useful unless its causes are organic, since it does not treat the problem itself and its underlying causes, and in some cases it can even worsen the situation.
Instead, the following treatments are usually used, usually in combination.
1. Sexual education
Taking into account that in many cases of vaginismus the people who suffer from it have lived traumatic experiences or have had a very repressive education regarding female sexuality, Psychoeducation and explanation of the processes considered normal within sexual relations is a useful tool to take into account and apply. Understanding and explaining your situation and the treatments to be applied can also be a great relief for women with this problem.
2. Stimulus exposure techniques
One of the problems that causes and maintains the disorder, as in the vast majority of other sexual dysfunctions, is the anxiety, fear and insecurity caused by the occurrence of a feared phenomenon, as in this case it is the penetration or entry of something into the vagina. The most effective way to overcome this anxiety is systematic exposure to the feared situation. This exposure must be done gradually, using techniques such as systematic desensitization. The objective is to recognize and overcome fear step by step, until performing the act is neither aversive nor anxiety-inducing.
As we have said, the process must be gradual, starting with visual self-observation and continuing with the tactile exploration of the genital area, then proceeding to the use of dilators, the spouse’s hands, and so on until reaching the performing the sexual act.
3. Muscle training
One of the most common treatments for vaginismus is performing pelvic muscle control techniques, learning to contract and relax them, increasing muscle tone and control of the pelvic area. In this way, the patient can also have a greater sense of control and undertake sexual activity with greater safety.
Training the pubococcygeus muscle in Kegel exercises is usually the most common procedure.
4. Use of vaginal dilators
Another mechanism that allows you to deal with vaginismus is the use of vaginal dilators The use of these instruments, applied in a graduated manner, allows the fear and anxiety of penetration to decrease, while strengthening the pelvic muscles.
5. Involving the couple
Vaginismus is a disorder that can be a true source of both psychological and physical suffering for those who suffer from it, limiting intimacy with their partner and, in the long run, the woman’s self-esteem and self-concept. It is because of that It is necessary that the person with whom the relationship is maintained If it is an established couple, be aware of the problem and receive some advice on how to deal with the situation and help your loved one.
