Vaginismus

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Understanding Vaginismus

Vaginismus is an automatic bodily response triggered by the fear of vaginal penetration. These contractions can hinder sexual intercourse or cause significant pain. While vaginismus doesn’t interfere with sexual arousal, it can obstruct penetration.

This condition may manifest either during the initial attempt at vaginal penetration or develop later, often following physical or emotional trauma. Even individuals who have experienced successful intercourse in the past may develop vaginismus.

Symptoms of vaginismus vary from severe to mild. In severe cases, vaginal penetration becomes impossible, making routine gynaecological care such as pelvic exams challenging. Moreover, it can create intimacy and emotional issues within sexual relationships.

Fortunately, treatment for vaginismus can yield positive outcomes. JOGO can assist in devising a personalised treatment plan tailored to the severity of your symptoms and your comfort level.

Causes of Vaginismus

The causes of vaginismus remain uncertain to medical professionals. This condition can lead to a range of psychological, sexual, and physical complications. Moreover, ailments such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and bladder infections can aggravate the pain associated with vaginismus. Additionally, other health issues like infections and vaginal dryness can also result in painful intercourse. Several factors may contribute to the development of vaginismus, including:

  • Injuries sustained during childbirth, such as vaginal tears.
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Negative first sexual encounters.
  • Painful medical issues, such as thrush.
  • Unpleasant medical examinations.
  • Previous surgeries.
  • Fear or negative emotions surrounding sex. This often stems from past experiences of rape, trauma, or sexual abuse.

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Complications Caused by Vaginismus

Vaginismus can profoundly impact both your sexual experiences and the dynamics of your relationships with your partner. Furthermore, it can have adverse effects on your mental well-being, potentially contributing to heightened anxiety levels. For individuals attempting to conceive, vaginismus may present additional challenges, thereby complicating the process of becoming pregnant.

Treatment for Vaginismus

Vaginismus treatments are designed to alleviate the muscular reflex causing tension while addressing underlying fears or anxieties. The focus is on helping individuals manage their feelings about penetration and gradually acclimate to it through exercises.

Treatment typically begins under the guidance of our therapist, with prescribed exercises to be practised at home. Partners can be involved in the process if desired. Positive progress is often noticeable within a few weeks. Common treatment options for vaginismus include:

Pelvic floor exercises
These exercises aim to minimise muscle tension and enhance relaxation during vaginal penetration.
Vaginal dilators
Tube-shaped devices of varying sizes are used to desensitise and increase comfort with penetration.
Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF)
This emerging therapy, primarily used for nerve pain, shows promise in addressing vaginismus-related symptoms.
Relaxation
Practices like mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, or deep breathing can mitigate anxiety and muscle tension, facilitating easier penetration.
Counselling
Providing information about sexual anatomy and the sexual response cycle aids individuals in understanding their physiological processes and pain.

JOGO’s Treatment Plan for Vaginismus

At JOGO, we treat Vaginismus with Digital Therapeutics (DTx) assisted Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT). JOGO treatment does not have any side effects or complications. It is created with clinically-proven EMG Biofeedback, which has been researched for many years to treat the condition. The biofeedback device measures the strength of muscles and the muscle tone using either external electrodes or vaginal probes. With JOGO's advanced sensors, patients can visualise muscle signals in real-time via a tablet or computer, providing valuable insights into their treatment progress. A screen displays when and how your muscles contract or relax. The feedback can be used for therapeutic training and to measure your progress. Guided by specialists, each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of every client.

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Conduct Initial Assessment
Set a Therapy Goal for the Individual Patient
Complete the Treatment
Get Discharged
You can choose from direct or online sessions JOGO's Digital Clinic provides through certified pelvic floor therapists. Patients also receive a JOGO kit that's shipped home for teletherapy. Rest assured, JOGO is committed to effective and clinically proven methods for treating vaginismus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of a woman getting vaginismus?

Vaginismus symptoms may manifest during late adolescence or early adulthood, particularly during the first sexual experience, pelvic examination, or tampon insertion. Some individuals may develop vaginismus later in life, experiencing discomfort or spasms during any vaginal penetration or only at specific times, such as during pelvic exams or intercourse.

How can I identify whether I have vaginismus?

Common symptoms of vaginismus include:

  • Discomfort or pain during penetration through the vagina.
  • Inability to engage in pelvic examination or sexual intercourse due to pain or contractions of muscles in the vagina.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.

In what ways is vaginismus diagnosed?

Vaginismus is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation, as there is no specific diagnostic test for it. Healthcare providers can usually determine the presence of vaginismus on the basis of physical examination and your symptoms as explained by you. Tightening of vaginal muscles is a common characteristic that may be detected during the examination.

When should I consider discussing it with a doctor?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Painful intercourse.
  • Genital irritation or itching.
  • Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Vaginal redness, swelling, or soreness.

What are the questions I should ask my doctor?

You may consider asking your healthcare provider:

  • Why do I feel pain while having penetrative sex?
  • How can I enjoy sex more?
  • What is the best treatment method for my issue?
  • Will my vaginismus improve or get worse over time?
  • Can I get help through mental health support, such as counselling?
  1. NHS Choices. Vaginismus [Internet]. NHS. 2019. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Vaginismus/
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Vaginismus [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2015. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus
  3. https://www.facebook.com/WebMD. Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment [Internet]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginismus-causes-symptoms-treatments
  4. Vaginismus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More [Internet]. Healthline. 2020. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginismus#outlook
  5. Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2018. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261#treatment
  6. Vaginismus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001487.htm
  7. Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments | Pantai Hospital [Internet]. Pantai.com.my. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 14]. Available from: https://www.pantai.com.my/medical-specialties/gynaecology/vaginismus

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