Vaginismus
Vaginismus is the body's automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration.
Whenever penetration is attempted, your vaginal muscles tighten up on their own. You have no control over it.
Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex.
Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.
Vaginismus can be classified into two types - primary and secondary.
Primary vaginismus:
It is said to be primary when a woman has never been able to engage in penetration of any kind; be it either tampons, menstrual cups, gynaecology exams, or intercourse.
It is primarily psychologically driven.
We are usually taught sex is shameful and sex is painful. These contribute significantly to primary vaginismus cases.
Childhood abuse, sexual trauma, religious upbringing, and sexual ignorance are other contributing factors.
Secondary vaginismus:
It is said to be secondary when a woman who previously tolerated penetration is suddenly unable to do so.
Secondary vaginismus could be due to physical or emotional factors.
Repeated painful internal examinations or vaginal infections, traumatic childbirth, radiation and surgery around the vagina, and conflicts within a relationship are the causes of secondary vaginismus.
Treatment for vaginismus
Treatment usually focuses on:
managing your feelings around penetration
exercises to gradually get you used to penetration
Causes of vaginismus
The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear, but some things thought to cause it include:
fearing that your vagina is too small
a bad first sexual experience
an unpleasant medical examination
believing sex is shameful or wrong
a painful medical condition, like thrush
Vaginismus Awareness Day
15th September is globally celebrated as ‘Vaginismus Awareness Day‘.
This special day helps people with Vaginismus feel less alone by raising awareness and understanding about this condition.
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