The Enemy of a Happy Relationship: Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that occurs in women, causing painful and challenging sexual intercourse due to the involuntary and excessive contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina. This condition often negatively affects women's sexual experiences, leading to stress and anxiety in their relationships. Vaginismus not only seriously impacts a woman's sexual life and psychological well-being but also becomes a significant problem for her spouse or partner. These issues can threaten family unity and a happy relationship. In this article, I will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for vaginismus. Don't worry; you are not alone!

What Are the Causes of Vaginismus?

While the exact cause of vaginismus is not fully understood, it is believed to be triggered by a combination of the following factors:

• Fear and Anxiety: Vaginal penetration fear can develop due to reasons such as past sexual traumas, abuse, or sexual humiliation. As a result of such negative experiences, women may subconsciously perceive sexual intercourse as dangerous or painful.
• Environmental Factors: Familial, religious, or societal pressures, misinformation about sexuality, and taboos can also play a role in the development of vaginismus.
• Relationship Issues: Lack of emotional intimacy, insecurity, mismatch with a partner, or relationship problems can contribute to the onset of vaginismus.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginismus?

The symptoms of vaginismus can vary from woman to woman, but they generally include:

• Avoidance of Sexual Intercourse: Women with vaginismus may tend to avoid or postpone sexual intercourse.
• Painful Sexual Intercourse: Experiencing severe pain and burning sensations during sexual intercourse is one of the most prominent symptoms of vaginismus.
• Difficulty with Vaginal Entry: Struggles with vaginal entry due to narrowing or complete closure of the vaginal opening can occur.
• Physical Tension: Tension in the muscles surrounding the vagina can be felt before sexual activity.
• Anxiety and Fear: Intense anxiety and fear associated with sexual experiences are emotional symptoms commonly observed in women with vaginismus.

How Is Vaginismus Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of vaginismus is made through a detailed clinical evaluation and physical examination at a hospital. Information about sexual history, the duration and nature of symptoms, as well as the individual's sexual experiences and psychological condition, is collected. During the physical examination, the evaluation of vaginal opening and the response of the muscles is conducted. This process helps identify the factors contributing to the sensation of pain during sexual intercourse, such as issues like labial sagging.

How Is Vaginismus Treated?

Vaginismus is a treatable condition, and positive outcomes can be achieved with appropriate treatment methods. Treatment involves using various approaches and creating a personalized treatment plan for the individual. These approaches may include:

• Sexual Therapy: It is crucial to address sexual traumas and emotional issues. Therefore, we provide couples or individual therapy with a psychotherapist.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is applied to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles. We work with experienced physiotherapists for this purpose.
• Vaginal Exploration: We assist individuals in performing vaginal exploration exercises on their own to enable them to engage in sexual intercourse.
• Sexual Education: Correcting misconceptions and sexual myths and receiving sexual education are essential components in completing the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

The success of vaginismus treatment is closely related to the willingness and trust of patients in their therapists. Continuing treatment with patience and a reassuring approach increases the chances of success.

In conclusion, vaginismus is a condition that negatively affects sexual life but is treatable, often yielding positive results. Therefore, women experiencing pain or difficulty during sexual intercourse should seek information and support from gynecologists. Open communication with the doctor and therapist is crucial, and having trust in them are important steps for successful treatment.