Vaginismus makes sex painful: Doctor explains symptoms, reasons, treatment options

Vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, making penetration during sexual intercourse extremely painful. It is a physical condition experienced by many newlywed brides, but they are hesitant to open up about it or seek treatment. Couples who lack proper awareness about this condition may grow apart due to the stress or may even blame each other. However, it is important to understand that vaginismus is treatable in modern medical science. Dr Jitha Vineeth, a fertility, sexual medicine and cosmetic gynaecology consultant at Dr Jitha’s Health Lounge in Kozhikode, explains.

What is vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a medical condition where the muscles around the vagina tighten or spasm involuntarily, making penetration difficult, painful or sometimes impossible. The condition caused involuntarily often causes physical pain, mental stress and even fear among women. It is key to understand that vaginismus is not a disease but a natural defence mechanism of the body.

Symptoms
• Severe pain – Pain or burning sensation during penetration
• Muscle tightening – Muscles tighten in the vagina, making penetration impossible
• Difficulty at the doctor’s office – Muscles getting tightened even when the doctor tries to do gynaecological tests or probes.
• Fear – Fear of pain restricts the person from indulging in relationships

Reasons
Vaginismus is not just a physical condition, and could even have mental reasons behind it.
1. Wrong ideas – Misconception that sexual intercourse will be extremely painful.
2. Mental stress – Trauma from the past or physical abuse
3. Lack of knowledge – Lack of scientific awareness about sex, and also about one’s own physical features.

Is vaginismus treatable?
Vaginismus is treatable and can be cured without surgeries or complex medical procedures.
Psycho-sexual therapy
Fear and anxiety could be treated with the help of an experienced therapist. Communication between partners is key in psycho-sexual therapy.
Pelvic floor exercises
Simple pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, relax the muscles and help you regain control.

Vaginal dilators
These gradually help the vaginal muscles relax and should be used under a doctor's supervision.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy
Botulinum toxin injections are administered to relax the muscles when other methods or therapies fail. This temporarily relaxes the vaginal muscles and speeds up treatment efficacy.

Expert advice
Those who suffer from vaginismus should consult either a gynaecologist or a sexual health expert. It is not a physical limitation but a condition that can be cured with scientific treatment methods and the support and care of the partner.