Vaginismus, but what is it?
On Wikipedia we find the following text:
Psychogenic vaginismus (ICD-10 F52.5) is the involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina, making sexual intercourse very painful or even impossible. This contraction occurs when a penis or a finger or an insertable object such as a tampon is brought near the vagina. Due to this contraction, the opening of the vagina becomes very narrow and penetration is (almost) impossible. It is as if the subconscious says no to penetration through a bodily action, while the woman's consciousness may not be negative about it.
Psychogenic vaginismus is distinguished from organic vaginismus (ICD-10 N94.2), which has a physical cause. In the case of psychogenic vaginismus, it is often the subconscious mind that causes the involuntary blockage and tightening of the pelvic floor muscles.
Vaginismus can also be divided into primary vaginismus and secondary vaginismus. With primary vaginismus, the problem has always been there, with secondary vaginismus it developed later. In the secondary form, penetration was therefore possible earlier.[2]
In addition to primary and secondary vaginismus, a distinction can also be made between a number of other types of vaginismus:
A distinction is made between complete and partial vaginismus, whereby penetration is possible in the case of partial vaginismus, with or without pain. This includes, for example, a tampon that can be inserted. In complete vaginismus, however, nothing can be inserted regardless of what it is and its size.
Situational vaginismus is a type of vaginismus that occurs depending on the situation. For example, sexual intercourse can take place with certain partners at some times, while vaginismus occurs with intercourse with another partner or at another time.
With apareunia, sexual intercourse alone is not possible, but a doctor can, for example, enter the vagina for a physical examination. It also happens with apareunia that the woman cannot have intercourse but has no problems with masturbation or inserting a tampon.
It is very annoying if you are diagnosed with Vaginismus, we also hear that a lot from patients. Nevertheless, we would advise anyone who is experiencing inconvenience to talk about it. It is important that you don't get stuck with this, which may put you in isolation. After all, there is nothing wrong with you, vaginismus says something about your body but not about you as a person. So do not hesitate and go to an expert. After all, there are many therapies that can make a positive contribution to limiting or even remedying vaginismus. The GP can refer you to a pelvic physiotherapist, gynecologist or sexologist.
Photo: My Filo Soft Cuffs
Vaginismus, but what is it?
