Contents
What Is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition whereby women experience persistent difficulty with achieving vaginal penetration.
This is characterized by involuntary tightening and spasming of the vagina due to involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscles.
These involuntary muscle spasms occur when vaginal penetration is attempted in various situations, including during sexual intercourse, digital penetration, insertion of a tampon or a gynaecological examination.
Causes Of Vaginismus
Vaginismus is more common than we think it is. It is an under-diagnosed and under-reported female sexual problem that can affect up to 10% of women worldwide.
Vaginismus is often associated with or caused by anxiety disorders and fear.
This may be due to factors like:
- Unpleasant or negative past sexual experiences
- History of sexual abuse in the younger years
- Conservative social upbringing, religious or cultural influences
- Psychological fears and anxiety about the imagined fear of pain from something entering the vagina or tearing the hymen
Women suffering from vaginismus may feel alone or ashamed about their condition and often hesitate to seek treatment. Most women only seek help when they are trying to conceive.
It is important to understand that vaginismus is a very treatable medical problem.
Types of Vaginismus
Primary Vaginismus:
This is defined when a woman has never been able to achieve vaginal penetration or successful pain-free intercourse due to this involuntary muscle spasm. Some women with primary vaginismus are unable to wear tampons or undergo vagina examination. Many couples are also unable to consummate their relationship due to primary vaginismus.
Secondary Vaginismus
Secondary vaginismus occurs when a woman is first able to have successful vaginal penetration, but later develops difficulty doing so years later. This is often precipitated or triggered by major life events such as :
- Medical conditions
- Traumatic life events
- Childbirth
- Surgery
- Menopause
Symptoms Of Vaginismus
Symptoms and severity of Vaginismus varies according to the individual woman.
Some of the symptoms suggestive of vaginismus include:
- Pain or burning sensation at the entrance of the vagina when penetration is attempted
- This usually followed by immediate tensing up of the pelvic and thigh muscles, usually involuntarily
- Male partner may report the sensation of “something blocking” or like “hitting a wall” when penile penetration is attempted
- Inability to have successful sexual intercourse
- Inability to insert a tampon
- Inability to have a successful pelvic examination by a doctor
- Loss of sexual desire
- Fear and anxiety at the thought of penetration
It is important to understand that vaginismus is a very treatable medical problem.
Think you're suffering from Vaginismus?
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of vaginismus requires an experienced women’s health doctor.
Vaginismus is diagnosed through a thorough history taking which includes your sexual history, and a careful pelvic examination.
Your doctor may also perform certain investigations to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions that cause your symptoms.
Treatment Of Vaginismus
Vaginal Dilators and Pelvic Floor Exercise
Vaginal dilators play an important role in the treatment journey of vaginismus.
Vaginal dilators are tubes that come in varying sizes and resemble the shape of an actual penis.
You will be taught by our doctor on the techniques required to use them correctly and successfully.
This is an important step in the treatment process and will require patience and persistence.
Botox
Botox is not only used to erase wrinkles on our faces, but can also be used to relax the relevant pelvic muscles that spasm when penetration is attempted.
With botox, the vaginal muscles are relaxed which helps to reduce the involuntary spasms when penetration is attempted.
Topical Creams
Topical medication can be used in conjunction with the above methods to help relieve some of the pain or discomfort. This will help alleviate some fear and anxiety experienced by the women.
Sex Therapy
Psychosexual and relationship counselling is an important step to take during this journey, as vaginismus often has a major psychological component behind it.
Counselling can help women overcome their anxiety and fear, or cope with past trauma to overcome vaginismus.
This is an extremely crucial step in a successful treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are experiencing difficulties with sexual intercourse due to pain or problems faced during penetration, you could be suffering from Vaginismus.
Vaginismus may also manifest in other ways, such as the inability to insert a tampon, or difficulty with pelvic examinations in the medical setting.
If you are facing similar challenges, it is best to arrange for a consult early on to get treated.
Vaginismus is an extremely undiagnosed condition in Singapore and not many doctors are experienced with treating this condition.
It is important to visit a specialized women’s health clinic like Ezra Clinic that has a special focus in treating women with vaginismus.
Dr Michelle has successfully treated several women with vaginismus issues, with many of them going on to successfully consummate their marriage or conceive.
Think you're suffering from Vaginismus?
AUTHOR
Dr Michelle Chia
Medical Director
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Michelle's journey allowed her to train in Women's Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Her experience has led her to be featured on multiple media platforms including Radio Stations and prominent Magazines like Her World, Women's Weekly and CLEO. Her work has also received recognition both locally and internationally in several Medical Conferences.
Ezra Clinic is a Women’s Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic that is conveniently located at the top floor of Royal Square Medical Suites in Novena, Singapore’s Medical Health Hub.
Helmed by Dr Michelle Chia, Ezra Clinic is your chosen one stop clinic for all your Women’s Health and Wellness needs.
Address
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-09, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565