vaginismus
Vaginismus is a discomfort that causes sexual intercourse to occur due to the involuntary contraction of the muscles at the entrance of the vagina. While there may be problems in the sexual relations of the couples from the first night, not every sexual relationship problem is caused by vaginismus.
Vaginismus symptoms differ from person to person. As general symptoms, it is characterized as the problem of performing sexual intercourse or having difficulty during sexual intercourse. Women suffering from vaginismus may develop symptoms such as putting their legs in a closed position during sexual intercourse, withdrawing themselves, avoiding sexual intercourse, panic during sexual intercourse, and painful intercourse.
To briefly mention the symptoms of vaginismus, they are afraid of sexual intercourse with their partner or they do not want to have such an experience at all. Even if sexual intercourse takes place, it is painful or sexual intercourse can take place in a half way (only a part of the penis can enter the vagina). While there is no problem during foreplay, involuntary fear, panic and vaginal contraction occur during sexual intercourse. Women suffering from vaginismus cannot place tampons in their vaginas, place therapeutic drugs, insert their fingers into the vagina, look at or touch their genital areas. In addition, they do not receive examinations from gynecologists, they are afraid and hesitant of such examinations. They may not be able to undergo vaginal ultrasound or have a smear test. They are also reluctant to try different sexual intercourse positions.
In some of the women who show symptoms of vaginismus, symptoms such as not being able to stay naked next to their spouses, not allowing their spouses to touch their genitals, and waking up from their spouses can be observed. Although there is no problem of sexual reluctance in general, symptoms such as lack of sexual pleasure, lack of arousal, and vaginal dryness may occur over time.
When we look at the reasons that cause the emergence of vaginismus, although the researches about the cause of it can not reveal a definite result, certain reasons can show themselves in the formation of this problem. One of them is sexual myths. These myths, which are transmitted from person to person in societies that are suppressed and sexual intercourse is taboo (like the first night is very painful and being told that virginity is something that must be protected), are effective in the formation of vaginismus. In addition, it is thought that reasons such as bad sexual intercourse experiences at a young age or rape may cause the formation of vaginismus. In addition, it is thought that the fear of becoming pregnant, some postpartum complications, problems in the relationship and depressive symptoms brought about by the stress of daily life and work may cause vaginismus.
The incidence of vaginismus is 7%, and it is one of the most common reasons for applying for sexual therapy. The only scientifically proven treatment for vaginismus is sexual therapy. In addition, vaginismus is the sexual dysfunction that responds best to sexual therapy. With a properly applied sexual therapy, couples are treated close to one hundred percent.
Source
Vaginismus Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Methods | Acıbadem (acibadem.com.tr) (Access date: 06.03.2023).
What is vaginismus? What are the treatment methods? – Memorial (Access date: 06.03.2023).
Vaginismus Symptoms – Vaginismus Center (Accessed on 06.03.2023).
Vaginismus: What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment | Anadolu Medical Center (anadolusaglik.org) (Access date: 06.03.2023).
https://www.alsancakpsychiatry.com/vajinismus-nasil-tedavi-edilir (access date: 06.03.2023)
