A healthy sexual life is of great importance for the psychological and physical health of individuals. Sexual intercourse is not only a process related to reproduction, but also one of the cornerstones of a happy and satisfying relationship. However, in some women, due to the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles during sexual intercourse, intercourse either cannot take place at all or is experienced with serious pain. This condition is called vaginismus.
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Vaginismus can be treated with personalized methods, taking into account physical, psychological and sociocultural factors. Vaginismus treatment yields successful results thanks to exercises, cognitive therapies and medical approaches.
What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition in which sexual intercourse becomes difficult or impossible as a result of involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles. Even if the woman wants to have sexual intercourse, the relationship cannot be completed due to these unconscious contractions. Vaginismus is not only a physical condition, but also a sexual dysfunction that can be affected by psychological, social and cultural factors.
The most common causes of vaginismus in women are fear of the first night, false sexual information, traumas or subconscious concerns. However, today, this problem can be largely solved with vaginismus treatment.
Why Does Vaginismus Happen?
Physiological and psychological reasons underlie vaginismus. The factors affecting the formation of this disorder can be examined under three main headings:
1. Psychological Causes
- Sexual traumas (abuse, coercive sexual experiences)
- Fear of the first night and false sexual information
- Growing up in an extremely strict, oppressive family environment
- Taboos, feelings of shame or fear about sexuality
- A coercive and oppressive attitude of the partner
2. Physiological Causes
- Vaginal infections and fungal diseases
- Structural disorders in the hymen (painful or hard structure)
- Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (hypersensitivity of the nerve endings at the entrance to the vagina)
- Weakness or excessive contraction tendency of the pelvic muscles
3. Sociocultural Causes
- Lack of sexual education or false information
- Social pressures on female sexuality
- Sexual issues being taboo, not being able to be discussed
- Excessive importance given to the concept of virginity and fear of the first night
- Regardless of the cause of vaginismus, it is a condition that can be completely cured with the right treatment methods.
What are the Types of Vaginismus?
What are the Types of Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is divided into two different categories: primary and secondary vaginismus.
What is Primary Vaginismus?
It is a type of vaginismus seen in women who have never had sexual intercourse before.
The vaginal muscles are completely locked during the first sexual experience and intercourse is not possible.
Even gynecological examinations may be difficult.
What is Secondary Vaginismus?
- It is seen in women who have had sexual intercourse before but have developed vaginismus later.
- It usually occurs after a traumatic birth, miscarriage, painful intercourse or an operation.
- While sexual intercourse is possible at first, it becomes impossible over time due to pain and contractions.
These two types of vaginismus require different treatment approaches. Ankara vaginismus treatment is carried out with a treatment process specific to the person's story and needs.
How is Vaginismus Treated?
Vaginismus treatment is planned specifically for the individual and is usually supported by cognitive therapies, behavioral exercises and, in some cases, medical applications.
- Sex therapy and elimination of subconscious concerns
- Pelvic floor exercises and vaginal muscle control studies
- Pain-reducing relaxation techniques
- Spouse support and couple therapies
- Medical treatments (if there is an infection or physical problems)
Vaginismus is not a condition that goes away on its own. If left untreated, it can cause communication problems, loss of self-confidence and relationship conflicts between couples. Therefore, starting vaginismus treatment early will be much healthier for both women and couples.
How is Vaginismus Treated?
First, a detailed gynecological examination is performed. This examination is important to determine whether there is a physical obstacle that may cause vaginismus. The patient's sexual history, fears and concerns are evaluated. It is determined whether vaginismus is psychological or physiological. Exercises are applied to relax the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises have been developed to provide vaginal muscle control. The flexibility of the vaginal tissues is gradually increased. Muscles are relaxed using special vaginal dilators. Medical support is provided when necessary. If there is an infection, fungus or physical problem behind vaginismus, drug treatments may also be used. The sexual therapy process is started. The woman and her partner are informed about sexuality and subconscious concerns are eliminated.
How Long Does Vaginismus Treatment Last?
Vaginismus treatment can vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on the patient's condition. While great progress is made in some patients even in 2-3 sessions, in some cases longer-term support may be required. Ankara vaginismus treatment has a success rate of nearly 100% when performed with modern medical approaches and individualized techniques.