Kenneth Kee - Vaginismus, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Introduction

Ode to Vaginismus

Vaginismus is involuntary vaginaltightness

That prevents vaginal penetration orcoitus

It is not a common problem in women

It is very frustrating for her husband orman

An involuntary vaginal muscle spasm closesthe vagina

There is no way for the penis to go pass thevulva

It may be caused by past sexual abuse ortrauma

That can lead to a fear of engaging inintercourse

Vaginal pain occurs during sexual intercourseor a pelvic examination

Treatment involves a combination ofexercises, counseling, and education

The woman must relax and allow progressiveinsertion of dilators

The most important treatment is co-operationbetween sexual partners

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee

Interesting Tips about the Vaginismus

A Healthy Lifestyle

1. Take a well Balanced Diet

2. Treatment of Vaginismus

Vaginismus is treatable.

Vaginismus is highly treatable and a fullrecovery from vaginismus is the normal outcome of treatment.

Successful vaginismus treatment does notrequire drugs, surgery, hypnosis, or any other complex invasivetechnique.

Following a straight-forward program,pain-free and pleasurable intercourse is attainable for mostcouples.

Treatment involves a combination ofeducation, counseling, and exercises such as pelvic floor musclecontraction and relaxation (Kegel exercises).

a. Counseling and psychological education ofboth partners

b. Sex education of the anatomy of the femalevagina and male penis and also the anatomy of pelvic pain andmuscle spasms

c. Progressive insertion of fingers

d. Insertion of well lubricator dilatorsuseful

e. Dilation under anesthesia helpful

f. Plastic surgery to enlarge opening

g. Treat any physical cause of vaginismus

h. Pelvic muscle exercises and relaxationmethods

i. Co-operation between the sexualpartners

3. Keep bones and body strong

Bone marrow produces our blood

Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt,cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fattyfish, cereal, and fortified milk.

Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such asgreen vegetables and fruits

Zinc and other minerals are important to thebody

4. Get enough rest and Sleep

Avoid stress and tension

5. Exercise and stay active.

It is best to do weight-bearing exercise suchas walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weightsfor 2 hours a week.

One way to do this is to be active 30 minutesa day at least 5 days a week.

Begin slowly especially if a person has notbeen active.

6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks aday for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman.

Alcohol use also increases the chance offalling and breaking a bone.

Alcohol can affect the neurons and braincells.

7. Stop or do not begin smoking.

It also interferes with blood supply andhealing.

Vaginismus

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is the tightening of the musclessurrounding the vaginal opening and lower vagina to preventpenetration.

The adductor muscles of the thighs may alsobe involved (squeezing of the thighs to prevent penetration)

What are the causes of Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is usually caused by thefollowing:

Psychological:

1. Fear of pain during sex.

2. Inadequate or faulty sex education

Physical:

1. Previous sexual assaults or rape

2. Clumsy inept sexual technique by malepartner

3. Scarring or injury to vulva areapreviously

4. Bartholin cyst infection or otherinfection around the vulva

5. Menopause with dryness of the vagina

6. Vagina tumors, cancers, inflammations

7. Pelvic trauma or surgery in the past

What are the symptoms of Vaginismus?

Persons who has acute vaginismus has thefollowing

Symptoms:

1. Penetration impossible or partial

2. Ignorance of sexual anatomy, physiology orsex technique

3. Abnormal sexual or psychologicalhistory

Signs:

1. Vaginal examination using a single fingercauses intense spasm

2. Vulva may show previous injuries,bartholin cyst infection or other infection

Diagnosis can usually bemade by :

1. History of unfulfilled vaginal penetrationdue to spasm

2. Psychological fear of sexualintercourse

What is the Treatment of Vaginismus?

1. Counseling and psychological education ofboth partners

2. Sex education of the anatomy of the femalevagina and male penis and also the anatomy of pelvic pain andmuscle spasms

3. Progressive insertion of fingers

4. Insertion of well lubricator dilatorsuseful

4. Dilation under anesthesia helpful

5. Plastic surgery to enlarge opening

6. Treat any physical cause of vaginismus

7. Pelvic muscle exercises and relaxationmethods

8. Co-operation between the sexualpartners

Prognosis:

Prognosis is usually good withcounseling.

Sexual partner may need to be educated.

Better if patient accepts the sexeducation.

More about Vaginismus

Vaginismus is vaginal tightness causingdiscomfort, burning, pain, penetration problems, or completeinability to have intercourse.

Vaginismus is currently defined as aninvoluntary vaginal muscle spasm interfering with sexualintercourse that is relatively easy to diagnose and treat.

Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of themuscles surrounding the vagina.

The spasms close the vagina.

Vaginal Muscle Spasm

Vaginismus is a condition where there isinvoluntary tightness of the vagina during attemptedintercourse.

The tightness is actually caused byinvoluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles surroundingthe vagina.