Many couples feel pain during intercourse. That pain occurs in the pelvic floor, muscle spasms around the vaginal opening. These muscular contractions can make vaginal penetration difficult or impossible, including sexual activity, tampon insertion, and pelvic inspection. This condition is medically termed as vaginismus. Vaginismus symptoms vary, but may it cause infertility?
Regarding this, insights have been taken from the leading sexologist for females in Mumbai. Based on the valuable information, this blog will detail vaginismus, its causes, and treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Vaginismus
One going through vaginismus can be indicated through the mentioned symptoms-
- Troubled Intimacy: During sexual activity, vaginismus most often causes pain. Muscle spasms can cause vaginal burning, tightness, or constriction during penetration.
- Tampon Insertion: Vaginismus can make tampon insertion difficult or impossible. Muscle spasms and discomfort can make tampon insertion uncomfortable.
- Dread or Anxiety about Vaginal Penetration: Vaginismus’ pain and discomfort might cause dread or worry about any vaginal penetration. Fear can cause anticipation and muscle tension, worsening the disease.
- Involuntary Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasms: Vaginismus is characterised by these contractions. These spasms are unconscious and can tighten, shut, or block the vaginal entrance.
- Excessive Pain: Due to the anxiety and pain of penetration, women with vaginismus may avoid sexual engagement. This can significantly affect sexual relationships and quality of life.
- Lack of Intimacy-Vaginismus can generate dissatisfaction, inadequacy, and guilt. It can also impair intimacy and communication, causing relationship issues.
Symptom severity varies by person. Some people feel slight discomfort or stiffness, while others have extreme agony and avoid vaginal penetration. If you suspect vaginismus or have any of these symptoms, see a gynaecologist or sex therapist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Vaginismus and Fertility
Vaginismus leads to painful intercourse. As a result, some couples may avoid getting involved in the natural process of pregnancy. Fortunately, vaginismus is treatable. For this, some of the vaginismus treatments are as follows-
- Topical Medication- Tablets and laxative products can be prescribed to treat it if there is an apparent physical reason, such as an infection.
- Sex Therapy- In the form of counselling or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sex therapy can be advised if the cause is psychological.
These therapies can help address any underlying psychological problems, including worry or fear, as well as any false or illogical views you may have about sex. They can also be used, if necessary, to educate you about sex.
A couple’s sexual life and relationship can be significantly strained by vaginismus; treatment might help them get over these difficulties. This is especially crucial for a couple that wants to begin a family. One can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi to learn more about the treatment. She is a leading gynaecologist in Mumbai. The doctor practices at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital and provides treatments for gynaecological disorders like vaginismus, infertility, PCOS, and more. Book an appointment with the doctor to get more details about the treatment.