What is the main cause of vaginismus?

Vaginismus Causes It’s usually linked to anxiety or fear of having sex. But it’s not always clear which came first, the vaginismus or the anxiety. Some women have vaginismus in all situations and with any object. Others have it only in certain cases, like with one partner but not others.

How do you know if you have vaginismus?

How common is vaginismus? Experts don’t know how many people have vaginismus. Many people may be too embarrassed to talk about the problem with their healthcare providers.

What muscle causes vaginismus?

Although the pubococcygeus muscle is commonly thought to be the primary muscle involved in vaginismus, Pacik identified two additionally-involved spastic muscles in people who were treated under sedation. These include the entry muscle (bulbocavernosum) and the mid-vaginal muscle (puborectalis).

What kind of trauma causes vaginismus?

Vaginismus is often a response to past sexual trauma or other painful events.

What happens if vaginismus is left untreated?

If left untreated, vaginismus can lead to infertility (an inability to have children), relationship problems, and psychiatric conditions like depression. If you don’t receive treatment, you might blame and shame yourself for experiencing vaginismus when the condition is not your fault.

Can vaginismus be psychological?

Most doctors believe that vaginismus is caused by psychological issues surrounding sex. Women with a history of trauma or abuse sometimes develop the condition. General anxiety about sex can also lead to vaginismus, and many women discover they have the condition when they first try to have vaginal sex.

Is vaginismus in the mind?

Vaginismus is a mind-body response to the fear of vaginal penetration – the vaginal muscles tighten involuntarily, making penetration impossible or very painful.

How do you fix primary vaginismus?

Introduction of anti-anxiety medication or relaxation techniques to address the phobic response. If introduction of dilators is possible, patient should work with gradually increasing sizes both under clinical guidance and at home to alleviate muscle spasms and decrease fear.

What are the symptoms of variablevaginismus?

Vaginismus is always present, and any object will trigger it. This occurs only in certain situations. It may happen during sex but not during gynecological exams or tampon insertion. The symptoms vary between individuals. Pain can range from mild to severe in nature and from discomfort to burning in sensation.

What are the causes of noninfectious vaginitis?

Noninfectious vaginitis. Vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products may cause an allergic reaction or irritate vulvar and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects, such as tissue paper or forgotten tampons, in the vagina can also irritate vaginal tissues. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy).

Can trichomoniasis cause noninfectious vaginitis?

In men, the organism usually infects the urinary tract, but often it causes no symptoms. In women, trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina, and might cause symptoms. It also increases a women’s risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections. Noninfectious vaginitis.

Does constriction of the vagina make penetration difficult or impossible?

In all cases, constriction of the vagina makes penetration difficult or impossible. If you have vaginismus, you can’t manage or stop the contractions of your vaginal muscles. Vaginismus can have additional symptoms, including fear of vaginal penetration and decreased sexual desire related to penetration.