Vaginismus
Difficult or even impossible sexual intercourse
Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the peri-vaginal muscles, which prevents a woman from having full sexual intercourse with her partner. It involves unbearable, even excruciating pain, which forces the couple to interrupt the penetration. In vaginismus, the genital organs do not show any malformation or pathology but, every time the penis enters the vagina, the latter involuntarily contracts, causing acute and difficult pain. Penetration becomes impractical, the muscles of the vagina contract and the legs close. In addition to sexual intercourse, certain gynecological tests such as pap smears or the use of tampons are also made difficult.
Different types of vaginismus
See also
There are two types of vaginismus:
- vaginismus primary, which appears at the beginning of sexual life and which continues over time
- vaginismus secondary, which interrupts a sexual life that has already begun in which penetration problems have never been encountered
Furthermore, it is referred to as vaginismus global when pain is felt in every situation, both during sexual intercourse and when trying to introduce a tampon or speculum, and vaginismus situational when the pain is not always felt but only with some partners, or only during sexual intercourse but not if you want to introduce a speculum or a tampon.
It is a psychological disorder, a phobia of penetration that manifests itself with an unconscious automatism, such as the one that makes us close our eyes when we try to put a finger inside.
The causes
In general, in primary vaginismus the woman does not know her body and her private parts well: she often rejects the idea of rupture of the hymen or thinks she has a vagina that is too narrow that does not allow the penis to pass. At the origin of this disorder there is often a rigid sexual education, in which sex is considered a taboo, or incomplete. In these cases, the problem can be solved easily.
Primary vaginismus can, however, also have psychological causes: although the woman is well aware of her body and genitals, the muscles contract and penetration becomes impossible. When this is the case, the problem is often caused by a traumatic event: a painful first time or even sexual abuse during childhood.
On the other hand, the origin of secondary vaginismus is chronic pain felt during the sexual act (dyspareunia): the body anticipates the pain by contracting the muscles. Secondary vaginismus can occur following a romantic breakup, sexual aggression, a relationship with an aggressive and clumsy partner or after the diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease.
Possible cures
Fortunately, the solution exists! If the disorder is mild, to solve the problem you just need to become aware of your sexuality and possibly follow a sex therapy that may include exercises to learn to control your body and to relax the peri-vaginal muscles.
If the disorder is of a psychological nature, it will be better to consult a sexologist who will be able to indicate the suitable therapy to overcome the problem and be able to have painless sexual intercourse.
The consequences on the life of a couple
As a general rule, women who suffer from vaginismus feel ashamed of it and therefore close in on themselves without talking about it to anyone. Vaginismus, however, does not make a fulfilling couple's life impossible, provided that the man accepts to live an external sexuality, made up of caresses and imagination. Nonetheless, vaginismus sometimes leads to breakup, particularly when the desire to have full intercourse or have children begins to persist.
