What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition in which attempts to insert something into a woman's vagina causes the local muscles to quickly tighten and clamp themselves shut. This has the effect of making any further penetration extremely difficult or impossible, and because the muscles have gone into spasm, any continued attempts at introducing something into the vagina, can cause further discomfort or pain.
This condition can affect the individual's ability to have full sexual intercourse, undergo gynaecological examinations and even to use feminine hygiene products such as tampons.
The condition can be the cause of much distress - both emotionally, as well as in a physical sense.
It is an involuntary condition and can be compared to reflex-like actions, such as for example the eye - whereby it blinks, or even closes completely and tightly if something comes too close to it, or threatens its integrity.
Where the vaginismus spasm is concerned, it can be due to a learned response to a real or imagined expectation of pain (among other things). If this is the case, and a woman remembers previous painful experiences, or simply imagines penetration will be difficult or painful, then the woman expects pain or discomfort to occur in some form and so the vaginismus reflex comes into force.
Of course, the problem can easily become compounded because when the problem strikes, a woman will then usually start to worry / fear that the problem will recur and the fear that it might come about again is often enough to ensure that it does.
This further reinforces the worry and fear of the problem and if it's coupled with a feeling of 'I was right to fear the pain' (because further pain was felt), it can bring about an even stronger response the next time.
In addition to this, as women will often say that sex is now not even worth bothering about, because one way or another, they and their partner find it all too upsetting, they end up avoiding it completely, or have to find workable alternatives that don't involve full intercourse.
Of couse, there can be many reasons why the condition comes about and these can vary from trauma (of various kinds), through to guilt, control or performance issues and fear, and by its very nature, this side of the problem will always vary in degree and nature from woman to woman.
It is recognised that vaginismus falls into two main types. These are:
1. Primary Vaginismus
This is where a woman has never been able to have full sexual intercourse. It is often discovered during the teenage years (although not always) when the young woman tries to use internal feminine protection - tampons of any size or kind, or has to undergo a pelvic medical examination and finds it to be extremely uncomfortable. During this time, a fear of sex (as an act in its own right) can also become manifest - even though she may never have even tried to do it.
By the time the girl reaches full maturity, the fear of these things can trigger off an anxiety which brings with it something like a conditioned reflex response, whereby there is a tightening or closing-up of the vaginal / pelvic muscles when she (later) attempts full sexual intercourse.
This fear of vaginal pain, or of the sexual act itself, causes further anxiety which serves to reinforce the problem.
Ultimately, a woman might form a long-term relationship or get married perhaps, and even despite having a strong desire to go on and have children, the relationship / marriage stays unconsumated and the woman remains a virgin.
2. Secondary Vaginismus
Secondary vaginismus is the name given to the condition where the woman has been able to achieve penetration in the past, but develops vaginismus after some time.
It is not unknown for this particular type of vaginismus to occur due to a physical condition, rather than just a psychological one and it can also occur post-operatively, but again the muscular reflex can still be due to real or imagined pain, discomfort, or fear.
Sometimes, treatment for secondary vaginismus is made easier simply due to the fact that the woman is already aware that non-painful penetration is possible and may actually have had a very satisfying sex life indeed.
Obviously, whichever type the vaginismus (also called vaginism) falls into, the woman should consult her medical doctor to ascertain that all is well and as it should be.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy as a treatment for Vaginismus / Vaginism
Assuming that the vaginismus is being caused by a psychological or emotional issue, rather than a physical or medical condition, it can be successfully treated using hypnoanalysis.
If you are a woman who suffers from vaginismus, and feel that it might be caused by an anxiety-based issue such as previously described, why not come along for an intial consultation, so that we can meet and discuss what's happening.
Naturally, the initial consultation, and indeed any sessions that take place, are always held in the strictest of confidence.
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