Vaginismus

A condition involving involuntary muscle spasms of the pelvic floor muscles

Vaginismus
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Involuntary muscle spasms, pain during intercourse
Complications	Difficulty with vaginal penetration
Onset	Any age
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Psychological, physical, or a combination
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Pelvic floor physical therapy, counseling, vaginal dilators
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary spasms of the muscles surrounding the vagina, specifically the pelvic floor muscles. These spasms can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. Vaginismus is a complex condition that can have both physical and psychological components.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause:

• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Difficulty with vaginal penetration, including during sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, or gynecological examinations
• Muscle spasms or tightness

Causes

The exact cause of vaginismus is not always clear, but it can be attributed to a combination of physical and psychological factors. Some potential causes include:

• Anxiety or fear related to sexual intercourse
• Past trauma or abuse
• Medical conditions such as infections or endometriosis
• Relationship issues
• Lack of sexual education or negative attitudes towards sex

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of vaginismus typically involves a thorough medical history and a physical examination by a healthcare provider. The provider may ask about symptoms, sexual history, and any psychological factors that may contribute to the condition. A pelvic exam may be performed to rule out other medical conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for vaginismus often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy: Exercises and techniques to relax and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
• Counseling or sex therapy: Addressing psychological factors, such as anxiety or past trauma.
• Vaginal dilators: A set of graduated dilators can be used to gradually desensitize and stretch the vaginal muscles.
  

  Set of five vaginal dilators in different sizes
• Education and communication: Providing information about sexual health and encouraging open communication with partners.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with vaginismus can experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The success of treatment often depends on the underlying causes and the individual's commitment to therapy.

Also see

• Dyspareunia
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pelvic floor physical therapy

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