Extreme tightness when trying to have sex could indicate a condition called ‘Vaginismus’. This is a treatable condition and occurs 1 in 500 women. Vaginismus is defined as a condition when severe pain is experienced before or during penile penetration or sometimes even when slipping in a tampon! If you are experiencing such a condition, remember , Vaginismus is curable and you need to seek treatment immediately . It is assumed that 6- 12 % of women population suffer from vaginismus globally. Psychosocial, cultural and relational factors may be responsible for vaginismus , although one single factor cannot be attributed as a the cause. Vaginismus requires a multidisciplinary approach consisting of a gynecologists’ , psychologist and possibly a neurologist. In India , sex before marriage is considered a taboo and thus most cases of vaginismus are hidden from parents and doctors until the condition becomes even worse.
Vaginismus is a vicious cycle of pain followed by anxiety followed by fear and the cycle continues until the woman becomes completely disabled. That’s the main reason why we ask the patient to seek treatment early. Most couples give up trying because they do not get the right treatment or guidance from their gynaecologists. Vaginismus should also be differentiated from vulvodynia and vestibulitis. A simple Kegel’s exercise or trying to force a dilator is going to make matters worse and won’t help resolve the condition. A vicious cycle where the first reaction of a thought of penetration tightens up the pelvic floor muscles which causes excruciating pain which later leads to fear and the same cycle continues till the patient is psychologically affected by this condition. Most women give up and resort for IUI or IVF/ICSI for trying to conceive. Vaginismus was combined with dyspareunia, the other “sexual pain disorder,” which resulted in Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). Vaginismus is graded according to its severity and treatment takes a few months which requires patience but it will achieve results at the end. To know more about Vaginismus and how you can deal with this condition.