Vaginismus can be treated!

Vaginismus is an uncomfortable or even painful condition that prompts the vagina to tighten involuntarily in response to penetration attempted during intercourse, tampon insertion or complete pelvic exams. Contractions of the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina cause this tightening to occur spontaneously, without conscious exertion. Initially, women with vaginismus can be sexually responsive and enjoy making love, but over time they may find that pain eventually subdues desire, leading to subsequent feelings of failure, discouragement and frustration.

Fortunately, treatment for vaginismus usually leads to full recovery. Physical therapy helps most women achieve pain-free penetration and pleasurable intercourse. A vaginismus treatment program requires no drugs, surgery, hypnosis, or invasive procedures, and balances emotional with physical wellbeing. By following a customized program, the patient can overcome fear and anxiety while practicing special methods that help subdue physical pain. The latter include pelvic floor control exercises, insertion or dilation methods, techniques to eliminate anticipatory reactions to pain, and transition steps from therapeutic techniques to enjoying intercourse. Treatment can often be completed at home, allowing a woman to work at her own pace in privacy, or in cooperation with her physical therapist.

Types of vaginismus

A woman who has never been able to have pain-free intercourse due to involuntary muscle spasm has a condition known as primary vaginismus. Another condition, secondary vaginismus, is usually precipitated by outside influences including medical conditions, physical trauma, pelvic pain, difficult childbirth, surgery, or life change such as menopause. In some cases vaginismus seems to occur spontaneously. With or without knowing a specific cause, we can still recommend treatment that usually yields very successful results.

How the pelvic muscle group influences pain

The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in the function of a woman's reproductive system, urinary tract, and bowels. These muscles (sometimes referred to as "love muscles" are active during urination, intercourse, orgasm, bowel movements and natal delivery. Vaginismus causes the mind and body to develop a muscle memory or conditioned response that resists penetration. As the body learns to expect or anticipate pain upon penetration, powerful pelvic floor muscles 'flinch' or contract involuntarily. Ironically, instead of preventing pain, the tightened pelvic floor muscles ultimately cause even more pain. In essence, the body's defense mechanism ultimately backfires, resulting in a burning or stinging sensation that may even completely block entry. Women often remain frustrated until they learn the problem is vaginismus and that treatment is readily available.

Retraining the Body

PhysioDynamics addresses the physical and emotional triggers of vaginismis. The patient learns that about the pain, tightness, burning sensations or penetration difficulties associated with this condition. Effective treatment focuses on:

• Overcoming anxieties including fear of pregnancy
• Retraining the pelvic floor to allow entry through active muscle relaxation
• Practicing graduated insertion exercises for more comfortable intercourse
• Transitioning to pain-free tampon use, pelvic exams or penis entry

Understanding vaginismus is fundamental to overcoming its negative impact. Our approach educates women how to become proactive about their own sexual health. After successful treatment couples can begin to enjoy intercourse again, initiate family planning, and move forward to live life free from pain."

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