help with vaginismus
Vaginismus are involuntary tightness of the vagina during:
- Attempted intercourse
- Attempted use of tampons Worry of Premature Ejaculation (PE) happening and past experiences
- Attempted gynaecological examination
- It makes any attempted penetration very painful
The tightness is actually caused by involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina. The woman does not directly control or 'will' the tightness to occur; it is involuntary, and can be compared to any other reflex action where the body closes up as a reflex, like when the eye blinks if something approaches it.
Like all subconscious responses women ‘learn’ that these attempts are painful which sets up a fearful cycle of pain. As you subconsciously or consciously fear the pain so the tightness happens automatically, no matter how much you consciously tell yourself to try to relax.
There are two types of Vaginismus – Primary Vaginismus and Secondary Vaginismus and they can both be treated with hypnotherapy.
- Primary Vaginismus
- This is where a woman has never been able to have sexual intercourse. It is normally discovered when she first tries to use tampons or when she first attempts to have intercourse. It is like she is ‘closed up’. Primary Vaginismus can result in sexless, unconsummated marriages.
- Secondary Vaginismus
- Secondary Vaginismus refers to when Vaginismus starts later in life, after a period of pain-free intercourse. It is possible to have had a number of years without any problems and then develop Vaginismus.
Other medical names for vaginismus
Beyond the above basic classifications, physicians and specialists may use other medical terms referring to Vaginismus such as apareunia or dyspareunia.
The exceptions
There are always exceptions to these specific classifications. It is possible for a woman to tolerate years of uncomfortable intercourse with gradual increasing pain and discomfort that eventually interrupts sex. It is also possible for a woman to be able to occasionally have sex without discomfort and enjoy it only to find that Vaginismus returns next time.
vaginismus causes
As with all conditions, it is wise to check out any physical causes but Primary Vaginismus causes tend to mostly be psychological.
Secondary Vaginismus causes can start as the result of a physical condition which resulted in painful intercourse and becomes psychological resulting in Vaginismus because of the anticipated cycle of pain.