Sometimes, problems arise in our lives that we don't think about. Especially if sex is a painful and scary experience, it's something that many people find difficult to talk about. Has this happened to you? Do you suddenly feel the muscles around your vagina tighten up so much that you can't insert anything? Then this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this openly and in understandable Sinhala.
Simply put, what is Vaginismus?
Imagine, when something tries to get in your eye, you close your eyes without even realizing it? It's not something you do consciously, it's something that happens automatically to protect your body. Vaginismus is one of those things.
Simply put, vaginismus is when the muscles around your vagina suddenly contract uncontrollably when something tries to enter. This tightening of the muscles causes the vagina to close, making sex, inserting a tampon, and sometimes even a doctor's examination very painful or impossible.
The important thing is, this is not something you did on purpose, nor is it your fault. This is a natural response from your body.
Doctors sometimes lump this condition and dyspareunia together under the name `genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD).` So if your doctor uses this term, don't be alarmed, it's the same condition.
What are the main symptoms of vaginismus?
The main and only symptom is the uncontrollable muscle spasms we talked about earlier. The discomfort and pain caused by this can vary from person to person. While some may only feel a little discomfort, others may experience unbearable pain.
Below are a few common situations where this situation can occur.
| Opportunity | What can happen? |
|---|---|
| Trying to insert a tampon | The muscles around the vagina become tight, making it impossible to insert a tampon or experiencing severe pain. |
| Trying to have sex | Muscle tightness, burning, or pain when trying to insert a finger, sex toy, or penis. |
| Pelvic Exam | When a doctor tries to insert an instrument such as a speculum, the muscles tighten and the examination becomes impossible. |
For some people, these symptoms appear the day they first do one of these things. However, for others, the condition may develop suddenly after years of having sex without any problems.
Why does this happen? What are the causes of vaginismus?
Doctors have not yet found a single, specific cause for this. However, the main idea is that some kind of fear-pain cycle is responsible for this.
Imagine, for some reason, you have a fear that sex will be painful. In response to that fear, the pelvic floor muscles around your vagina tighten up to protect you, without you even realizing it. So, what happens if you try to insert something while your muscles are tight? It really hurts. The next time you think about having sex, you remember the pain you experienced before, and the fear increases. The muscles tighten up even more. This cycle continues.
There are several factors that can contribute to this cycle of fear and pain:
- A previous bad experience: For example, a painful medical test, a complication during childbirth.
- Painful sexual experience: Something like the first time having sex was very painful.
- Fear and anxiety about sex: Fear of getting pregnant, insecurity about one's own body.
- Negative attitudes towards sex: Due to upbringing, religious or cultural influences, it is ingrained in the mind that sex is something bad and sinful.
- Other physical causes: Vaginal infections such as yeast infections, pain after surgery, etc.
- Traumatic events: Being sexually assaulted or abused.
The important thing is that vaginismus can occur without any of the above reasons. So never think that it is your fault. The important thing is to understand that it can be cured and that there is a treatment for it.
How does a doctor diagnose this condition?
You know your body best. With these symptoms, you may think you have vaginismus. However, since there can be other causes of vaginal pain, it is best to see a gynecologist for a checkup.
The first thing a doctor does is talk to you.
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- When did this start?
- What time does this happen?
- He asks things like about your sex life.
At this time , it is very important to tell the truth without being embarrassed or hiding anything, because the most accurate diagnosis depends on that information.
Then, he or she may want to do a pelvic exam to make sure there are no other physical problems. It's normal for someone with vaginismus to feel anxious about the thought of this exam. However, there are ways to make it easier:
- Talk to your doctor about the test before it is done. Be open about your fears and discomfort. Discuss in advance how you will express your concerns if you feel uncomfortable during the test, and what you will do if you want to stop the test.
- Ask to use a mirror and see for yourself what the doctor is doing and where he is looking. This will give you a sense of control.
- Ask to place your hand on top of the doctor's . This can also help you feel in control and connected.
What are the treatments for this?
Vaginismus is a condition that can be completely cured with treatment. The treatment plan is tailored to suit both your physical and mental condition.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy | This involves a physiotherapist who specializes in this area, identifying your pelvic muscles, teaching you how to control them, consciously relax them, and strengthen them. These exercises can help control muscle tightness. |
| Talk Therapy | Talking to a psychologist or sex therapist can help you overcome your fears, anxieties, and misconceptions about sex. This can also help you resolve any problems that may arise between you and your partner. |
| Vaginal Dilator Therapy | These are tube-like devices of varying sizes (from the smallest to the largest). You use these at home, in a way that is convenient for you, under your own control, and gradually get used to having something inserted into your vagina. Your doctor will explain how to do this in detail. |
These treatments can take weeks or months to see results. Patience is key. If you feel like the treatment plan you're on isn't working for you, don't be shy about talking to your doctor about it.
So, can I have hope?
Definitely yes!
Vaginismus is not something that will get better on its own. But the good news is that with the right treatment, most people (more than 80% according to one study) can recover completely.
This will take time. During this time, seek the support of your medical team, partner, and family. In the meantime, understand that sex is not just about inserting something. There are other ways to be intimate and pleasurable for you and your partner that don't cause vaginismus.
If you're having trouble having sex because of muscle tightness or pain, don't be ashamed or suffer alone. This is a treatable medical condition. Many people's sex lives and mental health improve dramatically after talking to a doctor and starting treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Vaginismus is not your fault. It is a spontaneous muscle contraction that you cannot control.
- Don't be ashamed to talk about this. This is a treatable and curable medical condition.
- If you have any pain or discomfort related to your vagina, be sure to see a doctor.
- Treatment can take time. With patience and the support of your partner, you can overcome this condition.
- You are not the only one facing this problem. There are many other women in the world who have similar problems.
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