Find Yourself Having Pain “Down There”? – All About Vaginismus
Have you been experiencing extreme tightness or a stinging sensation when you try to have penile-vaginal intercourse, insert a finger or even a tampon in your vagina?
Chances are that you might have something called ‘vaginismus’!
Vaginismus is a psychosomatic (mental illnesses causing physical effects) condition that leads to tightening of the muscles around your vagina. It can make any contact inside your vagina extremely uncomfortable and penetration difficult during intercourse.
You Aren't Alone!
Do you remember Lily from Sex Education? Her vagina was, in her own words, “a venus fly trap”. Some people also report sensations of burning and “hitting a wall”. With the Vaginismus Awareness Day (15th September) approaching, it is important to know what are its causes and whether it can be cured.
Primary vaginismus is when a person with a vagina has never been able to have penetration. Secondary vaginismus, on the other hand, occurs when a person who could previously allow penetration, is no more able to do so. Some of the factors that cause vaginismus can be sexual trauma, fear and anxiety. Additionally, complications while giving birth, tearing of vagina, and c-section could also be some of the reasons.
Good news? Vaginismus can be treated with careful guidance by your healthcare provider. According to this study, upto 93% of women have their vaginismus completely cured!
There are various options available that you can choose from after consultation, like topical treatment (involves ointments), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), pelvic floor physical therapy, and vaginal dilator therapy (just like Lily!). Vaginal dilators come in different sizes and help your vagina get acquainted with the presence of an object inside.
It is about time we do away with the sociocultural taboo surrounding intimacy and pleasure. Having sex is NOT supposed to be painful (unless you want it to be, of course!). Know your body!
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2 thoughts on “Find Yourself Having Pain “Down There”? – All About Vaginismus”
Informative article! It is so little talked about, wish more people talk about their experiences!
As someone who is scared of even tampons, this is enlightening.