Vaginismus, which is defined as the involuntary contraction of the vagina and pelvic floor muscles of the woman, is actually a very strong and involuntary protection reflex of the woman. Generally, the person’s subconscious fears that it will hurt, that there will be bleeding, that the vagina is too small and that it will be torn during intercourse. Especially in societies where sexuality is a taboo, women cannot go to a doctor because they are ashamed and are afraid to express this situation and cannot step into a healthy sexual life for many years; Although he has a relationship, this relationship continues without a sex life. However, vaginismus, contrary to popular belief, is a sexual dysfunction that can be treated by consulting the right doctor. That’s why we Powder.comfor Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Ebru Alperwe talked about vaginismus.
“What does vaginismus mean”we asked Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Ebru Alper,Pudra.com defines the vaginismus problem for its readers as follows:
“Vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of the vagina and pelvic floor muscles of the woman. It is a condition that the woman cannot prevent. Although this situation usually occurs during sexual intercourse, it can sometimes occur during finger insertion, tampon use or gynecological examination. Patients usually present this problem as a stabbing pain. The situation experienced by many women with vaginismus is described as “as if there is a wall blocking the entrance”, and this is a very typical description.”
So how is vaginismus understood?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper: Most women with vaginismus experience this situation right from the first intercourse, which we call “primary vaginismus”. Sometimes, while a normal, comfortable sexual intercourse was possible before, vaginal infection, vaginal dryness or psychological reasons may occur later (secondary vaginismus).
EXAMINATION CONDITION
How should the problem of vaginismus be approached?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper: The first thing to do is to reveal whether there is an anatomical problem. This requires a gynecologist examination. Sometimes the septums in the vagina and known as “curtains” among the people can close the vaginal entrance and make penetration (sexual intercourse) impossible. This condition, which can be understood with a simple examination, can be treated and the problem can be eliminated. In most of the cases, the vagina and genital area are completely normal and the problem is psychological.
THE VAGINISMUS WOMAN’S INvoluntary PROTECTION REFLECTION
Is vaginismus a physical problem or a psychological one?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper:Vaginismus is actually a very strong and involuntary reflex of protection, and there are often subconscious fears that it will hurt, that it will bleed, that the vagina will be too small and that it will rupture during intercourse.
The movies that the person has heard, watched and read before play the biggest role in the development of this fear. However, some may also have an underlying abuse or sexual trauma. For some, factors such as the perception that sexuality is a bad thing, problems with the partner, having to experience an unwanted union play a role in the etiology.
THE STYLE OF THE DOCTOR TO DO THE FIRST EXAMINATION AND THE APPROACH TO THE PATIENT IS VERY IMPORTANT!
How is vaginismus treated?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper: For a successful treatment, first of all, it is necessary to understand the problem, and if it has a psychological component, it must be revealed. The style of the gynecologist who will conduct the first examination and his approach to the patient are very important. After the anatomical problem has been ruled out by an external genitalia evaluation without injuring or traumatizing the patient, the treatment should be carried out by a trained gynecologist or a sexual therapist.
If there is a trusting and comforting relationship between the gynecologist and the patient, in some cases, even a gynecological examination alone can be a part of the treatment.
EFFECTIVE METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF VAGINISMUS
If psychological factors are at the forefront, what kind of treatment methods are applied?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper: In cases where psychological factors are at the forefront, sometimes the diagnosis and treatment of additional psychiatric problems (depression, anxiety disorder) precedes the treatment of vaginismus. Finding and treating the underlying cause can also help overcome vaginismus, which is a consequence.
Many women with vaginismus overcome this problem by using “relaxation techniques” such as breathing exercises. While these breathing exercises allow the person to relax psychologically, they will also cause the muscles of the vagina to relax.
The most effective method in the treatment of vaginismus is pelvic floor exercises. Learning to control the involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, realizing that they can contract and relax when necessary is the basis of treatment. After realizing that women with vaginismus contract their pelvic floor muscles involuntarily, they can learn to voluntarily relax this muscle group.
INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS THAT INCREASES SUCCESS IN TREATMENT
Are there other methods that increase the success in the treatment of vaginismus?
Kiss. Dr. Ebru Alper: Of course… Another component of the treatment is “habit therapy”. Self-made applications at home with one’s own fingers or specially produced auxiliary applicators provide success in the treatment. The most important factor that leads to the result is the woman’s learning to know and control her own body.
The biggest mistake about vaginismus is to connect this problem to the hymen, which is a thin mucous fold, and to think that operations on the hymen will solve this problem. It is a big disappointment to see that the problem persists after these procedures are done. However, if there is a thick vaginal septum, a surgical intervention for it provides success in the treatment.
American Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. We would like to thank Ebru Alper…
