Women who have vaginismus, a sexual dysfunction that occurs when the vaginal muscles subconsciously or persistently contract when they are about to be penetrated, experience a lot of pain during intercourse. The excessive tightness of the vaginal birth fear and anxiety in the mind of some women who are diagnosed with vaginismus prevents intercourse.
A ScienceDirect report in 2022 revealed that 1 to 7% of the female population worldwide experience vaginismus, which affects the quality of life. This has led to unconsummated marriage, sterility, and thus can lead to the separation of a couple if not properly handled with care, understanding, and patience.
This health condition often leads to distress and frustration among couples. It is not your fault or something to be ashamed of. However, this condition is considered uncommon.
Women or couples who experience this health condition are advised to seek help from therapists or medical practitioners.
Meanwhile, this sexual dysfunction does not stop or interfere with sexual arousal but can refuse penetration.
Types of vaginismus
There are two types of vaginismus dysfunction, and they are:
- Primary vaginismus: This refers to when vaginal penetration has never been successful or achieved.
- Secondary vaginismus: at this point, penetration has occurred but is no longer possible due to some factors such as gynaecologic surgery, trauma, or radiation.
Research has it that some women, once they experience menopause, tend to develop vaginismus.
Causes of vaginismus
One might have thought of the causes of vaginismus in women, but there has not been a particular reason for this underlying health condition, which can be linked to past sexual abuse or trauma, past painful intercourse, emotional factors, and in some cases, there are no direct causes.
How would you know you have vaginismus?
Some women who have this disorder may not know that they have vaginismus until after marriage. Whenever your vagina tries tightening up on its own when you try inserting something inside or having sex and refuse penetration accompanying excruciating or stinging pain, it presumes that you could have vaginismus. One is advised to see a medical practitioner urgently.
This does not mean that those with this cannot be sexually satisfied or reach orgasm.
Solution
For women who experience this health condition, there is a solution, and vaginismus is treatable. Treatments often include education, counselling, and exercise.
During counselling and seeing a medical practitioner, it is advised that you prepare your mind for psychological reorientation for quick recovery and perfect sexual life.
By Helen Okechukwu
