Vaginismus is involuntary vaginal tightness
That prevents vaginal penetration or coitus
It is not a common problem in women
It is very frustrating for her husband or man
An involuntary vaginal muscle spasm closes the vagina
There is no way for the penis to go pass the vulva
It may be caused by past sexual abuse or trauma
That can lead to a fear of engaging in intercourse
Vaginal pain occurs during sexual intercourse or a pelvic examination
Treatment involves a combination of exercises, counseling, and education
The woman must relax and allow progressive insertion of dilators
The most important treatment is co-operation between sexual partners
-An original poem by Kenneth Kee
Interesting Tips about the Vaginismus
A Healthy Lifestyle
1. Take a well Balanced Diet
2. Treatment of Vaginismus
Vaginismus is treatable.
Vaginismus is highly treatable and a full recovery from vaginismus is the normal outcome of treatment.
Successful vaginismus treatment does not require drugs, surgery, hypnosis, or any other complex invasive technique.
Following a straight-forward program, pain-free and pleasurable intercourse is attainable for most couples.
Treatment involves a combination of education, counseling, and exercises such as pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation (Kegel exercises).
a. Counseling and psychological education of both partners
b. Sex education of the anatomy of the female vagina and male penis and also the anatomy of pelvic pain and muscle spasms
c. Progressive insertion of fingers
d. Insertion of well lubricator dilators useful
e. Dilation under anesthesia helpful
f. Plastic surgery to enlarge opening
g. Treat any physical cause of vaginismus
h. Pelvic muscle exercises and relaxation methods
i. Co-operation between the sexual partners
3. Keep bones and body strong
Bone marrow produces our blood
Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.
Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruits
Zinc and other minerals are important to the body
4. Get enough rest and Sleep
Avoid stress and tension
5. Exercise and stay active.
It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2½ hours a week.
One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.
Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.
6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman.
Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.
Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.
7. Stop or do not begin smoking.
It also interferes with blood supply and healing.
Chapter 1
Vaginismus
What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is the tightening of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening and lower vagina to prevent penetration.
The adductor muscles of the thighs may also be involved (squeezing of the thighs to prevent penetration)
Vaginismus is usually caused by the following:
Psychological:
1. Fear of pain during sex.
2. Inadequate or faulty sex education
Physical:
1. Previous sexual assaults or rape
2. Clumsy inept sexual technique by male partner
3. Scarring or injury to vulva area previously
4. Bartholin cyst infection or other infection around the vulva
5. Menopause with dryness of the vagina
6. Vagina tumors, cancers, inflammations
7. Pelvic trauma or surgery in the past
Persons who has acute vaginismus has the following
Symptoms:
1. Penetration impossible or partial
2. Ignorance of sexual anatomy, physiology or sex technique
3. Abnormal sexual or psychological history