SEXUAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN WOMEN-2

In this section of women’s sexual health, vaginismus will be discussed — a condition often described as a “silent cry,” which affects the woman herself and her relationship with her partner even though it is often left unspoken.

What Is and What Is Not Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of the muscles in and around the vagina, making sexual intercourse impossible. This condition may also present itself as a problem that makes gynecological examination or tampon use impossible.

How Common Is Vaginismus?

Unfortunately, the exact answer to this question is not known. However, women experiencing vaginismus should know one thing very clearly: “You are not the only one experiencing this problem!”

What Complaints and Symptoms Occur in Vaginismus?

The most important complaint related to vaginismus is the inability to have sexual intercourse. Most of the time, women do not want to express this complaint because society’s expectations regarding marriage may make them feel as if they have failed to fulfill “a woman’s duty (!),” which can deeply hurt them.

The inability to have sexual intercourse may appear in varying degrees. Sometimes, the contraction occurs simply when the penis touches the vulva; in other cases, it may occur when the penis partially enters the vagina. It is often described as “there is a wall or narrowing where the penis is supposed to enter the vagina.” The contraction is also accompanied by pain in the lower area.

Sometimes women with vaginismus may become accustomed to touching around the vaginal entrance even though they do not allow penetration. In this way, they may try to achieve orgasm through rubbing, also referred to as “padding.” After a while, couples may “become accustomed to living this way.” In fact, after a long period of time, erectile dysfunction may also develop in the male partner.

Who Experiences Vaginismus and How Many Types Are There?

Vaginismus may occur in anyone who is physically capable of sexual activity. It is generally divided into two types:

Primary vaginismus (when there is no underlying organic cause)
Secondary vaginismus (when there is an underlying organic cause, for example dryness and narrowing due to hormonal withdrawal after menopause)

What SHOULD NOT Be Done in the Treatment of Vaginismus?

Unfortunately, women with vaginismus are sometimes told that this condition is “all in their head,” that they should “relax by drinking alcohol” or take “sedatives,” or that it happens because they “obsess over it too much.” Such approaches further reduce a woman’s self-confidence and make her feel blamed for “failing to fulfill her duty.” Misleading suggestions may also be made, such as claiming that the problem can be solved by intercourse under anesthesia (while asleep) or that “everything will be fine once the hymen is opened.” Please do not trust such misinformation.

How Is Vaginismus Treated?

Important points in the treatment of vaginismus may be listed as follows;

The woman should attend treatment together with her spouse (partner).
She must definitely be evaluated psychologically by specialists, and this aspect of treatment should not be neglected; on the contrary, it should be considered very important.
She should know that no examination or procedure will be performed without her knowledge during the examination.
During treatment, exercises are used to help the individual gain control over the pelvic muscles. The duration of treatment may vary from person to person.
During treatment, it is important to completely avoid sexual intercourse (including orgasm through rubbing).

Vaginismus is a treatable condition and should “not be ignored” if present.