Women have been called many things throughout the centuries: the fairer sex, the weaker sex, temptresses, and more, but they are not often called strong. But they are. Women have the strength to carry a child, give birth and feed it from their body. They do it through exhaustion and pain. As strong as they have to be to do that even a small thing can cause them intense pain. Vaginismus is one of those things.
Causes intense pain
Vaginismus is a condition that causes intense pain when the vagina is penetrated. It doesn’t matter how the penetration occurs. Whether it is during a visit to the gynecologist, using a tampon or during sex. The muscles spasm involuntarily causing intense pain.
The physical cause is most likely the pubococcygeus muscle, sometimes referred to as the “PC muscle but could also be the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, and perivaginal muscles. The spasms are involuntary, like when you get the hiccups.
It is also a psychological issue
That happens when the woman anticipates the penetration and causes or exacerbates the spasms. That is called vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, where no pain is perceived until some form of penetration is attempted. Other causes may be urinary tract infections or yeast infections, sexual abuse or rape, anxiety or trauma during a birth. It can also happen during lactation or menopause when sex can become painful due to hormonal changes and becomes vaginismus when the anticipatory aspect makes the problem continue or worse.
Physical therapy can be a huge help for Vaginismus
The physical therapist can teach a woman exercises and relaxation techniques that can make them aware of which muscles are spasming and then they can consciously relax them.
With therapy and practice, the condition can be conquered or at least managed so that situations where penetration is necessary can be accomplished or interpersonal relationships aren’t harmed.
