There are many reasons why a woman does not enjoy sex, one of them is precisely vaginismus. This condition has to do with a pain in the vagina that women experience when they have sex with their partner.

Here we will talk more about vaginismus, and the reasons why some women feel pain in their sexual relations. We will also see what causes this condition, as well as the recommended treatments.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a medical disorder in which the pubococcygeal muscles involuntarily spasm. As a result, vaginismus makes sexual intercourse extremely uncomfortable or impossible. Medical examinations and tampon insertion often become very annoying things due to these involuntary spasms, making everything more difficult for the woman.

Spasms in the vagina, which make vaginal penetration difficult or prevent, are described as “hitting a wall.” Women experience a burning or stinging sensation when their partner attempts penetration. Because of this, women with vaginismus feel an intense fear of penetration caused by pain, causing more sexual activities to be avoided.

Some women with vaginismus will continue to feel sexual desire and may even enjoy masturbating themselves or being masturbated by their partners. However, vaginal penetration should be avoided at all costs due to the discomfort it causes during sexual intercourse.

Due to the shame associated with vaginismus and the tendency in some cultures to ignore the consequences of painful intercourse, it is difficult to say how many women have it. However, it is estimated that between 1 and 7% of women worldwide are affected at any one time, although some studies estimate higher rates.

In general, there are two types of vaginismus: primary, where the woman has had pain during the time she has tried penetration. Secondary vaginismus, on the other hand, is one where painless penetration was previously possible but is no longer viable. Both situations can be extremely serious.

Why do women suffer from vaginismus?

Notably, vaginismus is a self-reinforcing psychological illness, despite the fact that it has many physical symptoms. What happens is that when the brain anticipates pain, the vaginal wall protects itself by closing the pubococcygeal muscles with spasms during penetration attempts.

This creates the discomfort and pain associated with vaginismus, all of which lead to a pain cycle, in which the woman anticipates pain. Because of this, her vaginal muscles tighten, causing her to experience pain and then anticipate more pain from the next penetration attempt. Therefore, her muscles open and close, and so on.

As a result, the reason for vaginismus in those who suffer from it is often related to a mental trauma that has led them to associate sex with fear or pain. For some, this is a product of the natural pressures of society on the methods and culture of penetration. When it comes to primary vaginismus, a strong religious upbringing or incorrect sex ed are the main causes.

Unfortunately, some women with vaginismus have been subjected to violent forms of sexual deterrence throughout their lives. This includes early trauma, assault, or rape. In these situations, the brain reacts to fear by trying to protect the body, but this simply makes things worse for those who are trying to recover and heal.

Physical factors such as intercourse during a UTI, the discomfort of childbirth, certain medications, or medical conditions. Even the lack of adequate lubrication and foreplay can induce vaginismus. The “pain cycle” begins to work once pain is experienced and the body anticipates fear, resulting in vaginismus.

What is the treatment for vaginismus?

Many women with vaginismus think that they will no longer be able to enjoy sex, and even use sex toys. The good news is that vaginismus is treatable and there is literally a light at the end of the ever-expanding vaginal canal.

Because vaginismus is so unique, it is key to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. However, there are some therapeutic patterns that can be detected.

Most doctors will tell you to wait until you’ve taken proper steps to make this more manageable before attempting penetration. Sex therapy is often recommended to get to the root of the problem and learn cognitive-behavioral techniques that help retrain the brain’s anxiety response to the penetration.

Kegel exercises are also recommended as a treatment, as are vaginal dilators. These are insertable devices that gradually expand in length and circumference of the vagina.

A decent and safe lubricant for the body is essential in all circumstances, as well as the support of the partner.