Definition:
The German equivalent of the word Vaginism, Vaginismus is a condition that affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual penetration, insertion of tampons, and the penetration involved in gynecological examinations.
The spasm is not controlled by the vaginismic woman since the vagnismic reflex can be compared to the response of the eye shutting when an object comes towards it. The severity of the condition varies from woman to woman.
Diagnosis:
Vaginismus can be confirmed through a pelvic exam. It is also important to check the medical history and conduct a complete physical exam to rule out other possible causes of pain with sexual intercourse.
Treatment:
Treatment of vaginismus is a combination of education, counseling, and behavioral exercises. Exercises include pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation. Said routine is called the Kegel exercise. Using plastic dilators, vaginal dilation exercises are also performed. This procedure however should be done in the presence of a sex therapist or other health care provider. Sex therapy should also involve the partner. Counseling meanwhile should include information about sexual anatomy, the sexual response cycle, and common myths about sex.
Symptoms and Signs:
Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse or an attempted pelvic exam is one of the common symptoms of vaginismus. This makes penetration during sex difficult or impossible.
Causes:
The cause of vaginismus is a combination of physical and non-physical triggers. Physical triggers include medical conditions such as UTI, childbirth, temporary discomfort, pelvic trauma, abuse, and side effects of medications. Non-physical conditions include fears, anxiety or stress, partner issues, traumatic events, and childhood experiences. Sometimes no identifiable cause is known.
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